The team will be on hand throughout the event to showcase innovative machinery designed to improve productivity, enhance safety, and deliver outstanding performance across a wide range of landscaping, grounds care, and vegetation management applications.

This year, it will introduce new additions to our range of Bluebird Remote Control Mowers.

Engineered to tackle steep slopes, challenging terrain, and diAicult-to-reach areas, these advanced machines combine precision, operator safety, and exceptional cutting performance.

With intuitive remote operation and robust construction, the mowers oAer a smarter, more eAicient solution for contractors, local authorities, estates, and grounds maintenance professionals and are very competitively priced, making remote-controlled mowing more accessible than ever, and oAering exceptional value without compromising performance or reliability.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore our new range of Barbieri Rotavators and Flail Mowers and the versatile UniHybrid. Renowned for their quality, reliability, and Italian
engineering, Barbieri machines are designed to meet the demands of professional users. Whether you’re preparing seedbeds, cultivating soil, managing overgrown vegetation, or maintaining orchards, vineyards, parks, or open spaces, the Barbieri range delivers dependable performance and versatility across a variety of applications.

Another exciting addition to our product range is the Caravaggi BT290 Shredder. This is the green waste shredder we have been waiting for. Featuring a Honda GX630, this 140mm capacity shredder will reduce the large volumes of green and flexible vegetation that normal chippers cannot process. A 3-speed hydraulic roller and a no-stress device regulate the feed speed to the 50 rotating hammers whilst the narrow width allows the operator to take the machine into hard-to-get-to areas. We cannot wait to show you this product.

Alongside these exciting new product launches, we’ll also be showcasing our trusted CAMON range of professional grounds maintenance equipment. Well known for its durability and performance, the CAMON range continues to provide reliable solutions for landscaping and turf care professionals. Visitors will also get an exclusive first look at a prototype driven scarifier, currently under development. Designed to deliver enhanced productivity and ease of use, this new machine oAers a glimpse of what’s to come from the CAMON range and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to innovation.

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This year’s machine features new modifications that enable it to inject microorganisms, fertiliser trace elements, seaweed and other soil enhancers. This treatment can be especially beneficial in deeply compacted areas where soil health and biological activity have severely deteriorated.

After years of developing and refining the Aeration Jet Ground Aerator, Peter Knight of Aeration Jet Ltd has spent the past five years using the machine on golf greens, football pitches and other compacted grass surfaces.

By introducing microorganisms alongside air and trace fertiliser elements, the machine can help restore biological activity within the soil. The treatment is also quick, straightforward and efficient to administer.

Key features include:

• Relieves ground compaction at a range of depths, improving soil structure.
• Promotes effective drainage and helps prevent waterlogging.
• Operates with minimal disturbance to the existing surface.
• Reaches a maximum working depth of 500 mm.
• Automatically penetrates hard ground for efficient operation.
• Offers five adjustable blow-depth settings for different levels of compaction.
• Provides adjustable blow duration for tailored treatment.
• Injects microorganisms, fertilisers, seaweed and other soil enhancers.
• Delivers up to three operational cycles per minute for greater productivity.
• Is designed for straightforward maintenance.
• Is available for one-day hire or purchase.

GroundsFest gives visitors the opportunity to see the machine firsthand and speak directly with Peter about aeration, soil compaction and waterlogging.

Passionate about grass and highly knowledgeable in his field, Peter can explain how the Aeration Jet works and discuss its suitability for specific ground conditions.

Visit Stand L23 for an informal chat and a closer look at the machine.

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The free-to-attend event formed part of the wider GroundsFest Academy programme, which continues to provide free valuable learning opportunities for the industry throughout the year, helping professionals and volunteers develop their knowledge through practical, expert-led sessions.

Attendees enjoyed a combination of classroom learning and practical demonstrations, covering key areas including understanding wildflower habitats, site assessment, species selection, construction techniques, maintenance strategies and the environmental benefits of creating diverse habitats.

The day also provided a unique insight into the science behind wildflower seed, with delegates learning about seed production, testing, cleaning, packing and breeding processes from the experts at DLF Seeds.

Bradley Tennant, GroundsFest Event Director, said the success of the event highlighted the growing appetite for accessible, high-quality education within the industry.

“The GroundsFest Academy has gained incredible momentum, and events like this demonstrate exactly why we created it. The feedback we continue to receive from attendees shows there is a real demand for practical, relevant education that professionals can take back and apply in their own environments.

“Our partnership with DLF Seeds has been fantastic, and this event was a brilliant example of bringing together leading industry experts with people who are eager to learn, improve their skills and understand the latest approaches to sustainable land management.

“The Academy is about making education accessible to everyone, whether that’s an experienced professional looking to expand their knowledge, someone new to the industry, or the next generation of talent coming through. We’re delighted with how it has grown and we’re already looking forward to delivering more opportunities in the future.”

Following the success of the DLF wildflower event, the Academy will continue to deliver industry-focused sessions designed to share knowledge, encourage collaboration and support the continued development of the groundscare and landscaping sectors.

The free sustainability assessment tool is now available at www.groundsfestacademy.com

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The initiative, borne from two of BAGMA’s dealer members, is designed to create a space where Health & Safety professionals can share experiences, discuss common issues and, most importantly, come together to find practical solutions that bring benefit to the agricultural and groundcare sectors.

Individuals representing some of the industry’s leading brands including John Deere, Kubota, Case and more recently came together at BAGMA HQ in Peterborough with one shared vision – to find ways to make the industry safer. While it’s clear there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution, the day demonstrated the importance of sharing experiences and the value to be gained from cross-sector discussion.

Besides a number of the country’s leading dealerships, BAGMA were also pleased to welcome a number of industry experts to the event, including the DVSA’s Andrew Donald and Paul Marsh from BAGMA Service Provider SafetyAide.

“The first BAGMA Health & Safety Working Group meeting was both insightful and encouraging” commented attendee Jo Robinson, Group Health and Safety Manager at Farol Ltd. “While we may represent different businesses, brands and specialisms, we all have the same objective: making sure everyone goes home safe at the end of the day. Openly sharing experiences, challenges and ideas in this way is exactly how we continue to improve health and safety standards and drive our industry forward.”

Christia Killen, Health and Safety Manager at Lister Wilder, added “What I found most valuable about the first meeting was realising that we’re all dealing with many of the same challenges. Sharing practical solutions and learning from each other means we can all make progress much faster than trying to solve everything independently.”

On the event, BAGMA General Manager Nick Darking said, “We are well aware that people’s eyes tend to glaze over when you mention Health & Safety, but the startling statistics around injuries and deaths in the outdoor power sector prove that it’s a topic that needs to be tackled head on. This inaugural meeting was incredibly well received by all that attended and it signals an important step towards working collaboratively to improve the safety of those working across the industry.”

The next meeting of the BAGMA Health & Safety Working Group will take place virtually on Tuesday 15th December 2026. BAGMA Members who are interested in attending should contact BAGMA via email at info@bagma.com or by calling 01295 713344

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Bringing together experts from across sport, science and industry, the programme will provide visitors with direct access to the latest thinking, research and real-world experiences shaping the future of grounds management.

Taking place across the Main Stage, Spotlight Stage and Community Sport Stage, Learning LIVE 2026 will bring together some of the most influential voices in sports turf management, environmental sustainability, water stewardship, scientific research, and grassroots sport. Through diverse expert-led sessions, visitors will gain practical insights, cutting-edge knowledge and lessons learned from professionals operating at the highest level of the industry.

Opening the programme is Lee Guerriero of UEFA, who will take to the Main Stage to deliver a highly anticipated session, ‘Review of UEFA Club Season 2025/2026 and a Preview of EURO 2028 Pitch Programmes’. Offering a unique perspective from one of world football’s governing bodies, Guerriero will reflect on the latest UEFA club competitions while looking ahead to the planning, preparation and expectations surrounding UEFA EURO 2028.

Hot off the back of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Greg Whately, Principal Consultant at STRI, will discuss the delivery of exceptional playing surfaces for major international tournaments. Greg will share valuable insights into the planning, preparation and performance standards required to support football’s biggest events, offering practical lessons for turf professionals operating at every level of the game.

Technology and innovation will be firmly in the spotlight during a session from Dr Ruth Mann of Agrii (Envirofield), who will explore ‘The Role of Technology in Turfcare Management’. Her presentation will examine how emerging technologies are transforming decision-making, improving efficiencies, and helping turf professionals deliver high-performing, sustainable surfaces.

Research-led learning will form another key strand of the programme. On the Spotlight Stage, Dr Christian Spring of STRI will headline the European Turfgrass Society Takeover with a session entitled ‘Putting Science and Research at the Heart of Turfgrass Management’. Visitors will gain valuable insight into how evidence-based approaches and scientific innovation are helping shape the future of turfgrass management across Europe.

With water management continuing to dominate industry agendas, Tony Hanson will present ‘From Problem to Resource: Unlocking Alternative Water for Turf Irrigation’ on the Main Stage. His session will explore innovative and sustainable approaches to water sourcing, offering practical solutions for organisations facing increasing pressure on traditional water supplies.

Also on the Spotlight Stage, Dr Kathryn Severn join the SAPCA Takeover session, ‘The Latest Trends in Player-Surface Interactive Research’. Her presentation will examine the latest findings surrounding the relationship between athletes and playing surfaces, providing valuable insight for professionals seeking to balance performance, safety, and sustainability.

GMA Grounds Manager of the Year 2026, Karl McDermott, will lead two Learning LIVE sessions, drawing on his experience at some of the UK’s most prestigious sporting venues. In the session, How Strong Team Culture Ensures Success at the AELTC, Lord’s Cricket Ground, the University of Leeds and Leicester City Football Club, Karl will explore how effective leadership, collaboration and a positive workplace culture underpin consistently high standards across a diverse range of world-class facilities.

The Community Sport Stage will feature expert guidance aimed at helping grassroots sports clubs’ access vital funding and resources. On 12 November, Ruby Armitage, PitchPower Project Officer at the Football Foundation, will present ‘How to Obtain a Machinery Grant’. Drawing on her experience supporting clubs and facilities across the grassroots game, Ruby will provide practical advice on securing funding for essential equipment and improving the long-term sustainability of playing surfaces.

Geoff Webb, CEO of the Grounds Management Association, said: “Learning LIVE has become one of the defining attractions of SALTEX, bringing together world-class expertise and practical knowledge that visitors can take back to their organisations. This year’s speaker line-up reflects many of the key issues shaping the future of grounds management, from major tournament preparation and climate resilience to scientific research, technological innovation, and grassroots facility development. We are delighted to welcome such an outstanding group of speakers to SALTEX 2026.”

As the industry’s leading platform for professional development, networking, and innovation, Learning LIVE continues to provide SALTEX visitors with unparalleled access to the people and organisations driving progress across the grounds management sector.

SALTEX 2026 takes place on 11 and 12 November at the NEC Birmingham, with all Learning LIVE sessions included free as part of visitor registration.

For more information and to register for free, visit www.saltex.org.uk

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Visitors to stand RB200 will experience live demonstrations and get a first look at new technologies.

Turf Tank is proud to announce the release of the Base Station Pro at GroundsFest 2026. A permanent, fixed installation designed to deliver high accuracy through a private connection signal. Base Station Pro extends signal coverage to 5 miles without requiring a clear line of sight.

A single Base Station Pro can support multiple robots at once. Multiple units can also operate together on the same network, extending coverage across large sites or facilities with complex layouts.

Alongside the Base Station Pro, Turf Tank will be showcasing versatile features designed to save grounds teams significant time and labour.

• Car Park Marking: Beyond sports pitches, Turf Tank now simplifies site management. Facility managers can mark complete car parks or individual bays on their own schedule, completing the job in stages to minimise disruption and avoid closing off large areas.
• Logo Bundles for Pro Subscribers: Grounds teams can instantly select and paint from a preloaded library of sports logos, seasonal graphics, and event designs. Detailed pitch art for school sports days, awareness campaigns, or key fixtures can be set up and painted straight from a tablet.

Curious to hear more about the new Base Station Pro and see the robot in action? Visit the Turf Tank stand at GroundsFest 2026 for a live demonstration.

For those unable to attend, request a demo at your site by visiting www.turftank.com/en/ or contacting your local Turf Tank Representative:

• Central & Northern UK: Atwa Somobwana | atwa@turftank.co.uk | 07465 295 836
• Southern UK: Alex Robinson | alex@turftank.co.uk | 07311 370 250
• Scotland, Northern Ireland & Ireland: Alan Donaldson | alan@turftank.co.uk | 07426 436 090

Turf Tank provides robotic pitch marking across the UK, from the Premier League to local schools and grassroots clubs. By removing the stress and physical effort of traditional line marking, Turf Tank gives groundsmen, volunteers, and facilities managers more time to focus on quality and performance. With over 120 preloaded designs, custom layout options and dedicated UK-based support, Turf Tank makes marking lines, logos and car parks effortless.

Join us at GroundsFest 2026 and discover why thousands of clubs, schools and organisations trust Turf Tank to optimise their pitch maintenance.

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Visitors to the stand will have the opportunity to see three of our latest innovations designed to enhance productivity, operator comfort, and turf quality across the golf and commercial turf industries.

The stand will also feature several customer favorites, including the all-electric Ransomes Aurora ELiTE out-front rotary mower, the Ransomes MP670 batwing rotary mower, and the Jacobsen TR320 cylinder mower.

Leading the lineup is the all-new Jacobsen MP670, the next evolution of the MP653 wide-area batwing mower.

Powered by an industry-leading 65.2 hp turbo diesel engine, the MP670 combines exceptional productivity with outstanding after-cut quality. Its lightweight design supports multiple impact-absorbing wing deck configurations, while the AdaptiCut load-sensing cutting performance system automatically adjusts ground speed to changing turf conditions, helping deliver a clean, consistent finish while maximizing efficiency. Operators also benefit from an ergonomic platform and an optional fully glazed cab featuring SureAir air conditioning, heat, and reduced noise and vibration for all-day comfort.

Also on display will be the new Ransomes Operator Cabin, a benchmark in operator-focused design. More than a traditional cab, it serves as a true command center, featuring the innovative SureAir air conditioning system.

Delivering 42% greater airflow and 33% improved cooling performance than previous models, the system helps operators remain comfortable and productive even in demanding conditions. Panoramic visibility, enhanced acoustic insulation, and adjustable ergonomic controls further improve comfort, confidence, and precision throughout the workday.

For golf course professionals, the Jacobsen Eclipse 2 ELiTE demonstrates how lithium technology can transform greens mowing. Built on Jacobsen’s proven walk-behind greens mower platform, the Eclipse 2 ELiTE combines advanced Samsung SDI lithium battery technology with world-renowned cutting performance. Capable of mowing more than 72,000 sq. ft., or 12+ greens, on a single charge, it delivers quiet operation, reduced maintenance requirements, and zero fuel consumption. Electronic frequency-of-clip adjustment and fixed or floating head options help ensure a uniform, championship-quality finish while providing the flexibility superintendents need to meet varying course conditions.

Visit the Ransomes Jacobsen stand to see these innovations and some customer favorites firsthand and learn how our latest equipment is helping turf professionals achieve greater efficiency, comfort, and performance.

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Set to be launched at GroundsFest 2026 (16-17 September), the whisper quiet, zero-emissions battery powered spreader provides a stand-on platform for operators that achieves exceptional work rates, while maintaining total control of the application and spreading rate.

The ProE-Glide has been shortlisted for the GroundsFest Innovation Awards 2026, for Turf maintenance equipment.

Designed for sports turf, amenity grassland and landscape applications, the ProE-Glide delivers a highly efficient and user-friendly solution for grounds professionals.

Adjustable calibration settings allow operators to accurately apply different granular products, including fertiliser, grass seed or de-icer salt. The fully adjustable spread width and spread bias help maintain even coverage, even in challenging conditions such as crosswinds.

Launching the ProE-Glide at GroundsFest 2026, where turf and lawncare managers have the chance to try out the innovative machine, Techneat amenity specialist, Richard Wheatcroft, says: “With infinitely adjustable application settings, a high-capacity hopper and an ergonomic stand-on design, the Pro E-Glide delivers accurate, consistent spreading, while hugely improving operator comfort and productivity.”

In user-trials the ProE-Glide has proven capable of spreading fertiliser across 5,000m² (half-hectare) in less than 30 minutes. “The combination of speed, efficiency and accuracy has significantly increased our productivity,” reports The Lawnologist grounds care specialist, Mark Walsh. “The level of control is excellent.”

It has handled work on large domestic lawns, on private estates to sports pitches, allowing the team to complete work faster and dramatically reduce operator fatigue, without compromising on application quality, he adds.

“It’s a very well thought out product that’s intuitive to operate for professional grounds maintenance, and genuinely a pleasure to use.”

Features of the Pro E-Glide include an 80-litre hopper with a stainless-steel body. The future-proof design of the ProE-Glide will also enable operators to fit a purpose-built demountable precision sprayer unit in place of the spreader hopper, to further increase the machine’s flexibility and value as a turf management tool.

Its powerful electric motor and battery power pack is matched to provide high output through the working day and cover large areas, without noise or disruption to players or customers. An integrated bout marker keeps applications on track. The machine can be easily moved between sites in a trailer or van.

Italian style for new turf maintenance machinery

A new range of high-performance Italian turf scarifiers and maintenance equipment is now available in the UK, from Techneat Engineering. The purpose designed and robustly manufactured Manotvani machines are hugely popular and highly respected across Europe.

The heavy-duty Mantovani scarifiers include pedestrian operated and self-propelled machines from 38cm to 60cm, designed for lawns and precision quality sports turf surfaces, along with a trailed 95cm machine with a mounted power source for larger areas, such as parks, gardens and sports fields.

The innovative self-propelled SC60-D, for example, features multiple renovation systems that can be configured for the required degree of scarification intensity on specific surfaces. Machines are supplied with swing-blades as standard, with the option for a fixed blade cassette – typically for aggressive verticutting – or a combi cassette with swing blade and spring tines for scarifying, de-thatching and moss raking in one. Powered by a reliable 4.1kw (6.5hp) Honda engine, the variable speed drive can operate at up to 4.5 km/hr.

Other models in the pedestrian range include the SC45 and SC38 popular for lawn and smaller sports turf maintenance. Featuring the same scarification options to suit specific surfaces, the machines incorporate independent wheels mounted on swing-arm axles, to remain parallel to the surface and maintain more consistent results.

The largest trailed SC95 scarifier is ideal for turf managers who don’t have access to a tractor with a PTO function, but are now seeking to routinely aerate and renovate surfaces on a wider scale to promote turf health and sward density. Towed behind a tractor mower, for example, a 13hp mounted engine provides high capacity, cost effective scarification.

Commenting on the launch of the Mantovani range at GroundsFest 2026, Techneat amenity specialist, Richard Wheatcroft, highlighted: “Turf surface aeration and renovation has become increasingly important, to help recovery from cover loss during more frequent and intense heat and drought damage.

“Robust and reliable scarifiers are key to rapid and successful seedling establishment in the short windows when conditions are suitable, as well as part of an effective Integrated Turf Management (ITM) programme.

“The quality of the Mantovani engineering and innovative design features for their effective operation in practice, make the machines highly popular. Now they are available in the UK and backed with the renowned full spares and after sales support package from Techneat.”

In addition to the Mantovani scarifiers, the new equipment range also includes a mounted professional leaf and litter vacuum. Designed for rapid collection of material across a large area, the LVS-30 fits direct to the side or tailgate of an ATV or pick-up truck and shoots collected materials direct into the vehicle load bed. Ideal for parkland, car parks, large gardens, industrial areas and estates, it incorporates a powerful 9hp Honda engine, dual-belt direct drive and a lightweight 5m long, 180mm diameter pickup tube mounted on a swivel arm.

To find out more and to try out the Mantovani equipment range, visit the Techneat stand OSA70 at GroundsFest 2026

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The STIGA team will showcase an extensive cross-section of machinery across the STIGA and Mountfield brands.

From high-volume homeowner mowers, petrol-to-battery crossover machines, and lawn tractors to heavy-duty commercial equipment, there is something to tempt everyone—from independent dealers and enthusiastic gardeners to seasoned professional contractors.

There’s no shortage of choice, with an extensive lineup of battery tools, mowers, ride-ons, and autonomous robot mowers ready to see—and try for yourself.

Visitors can get hands-on with products including the commercial STIGA PRO battery ecosystem, the high-performance APX range, ePark Pro, and ePower battery tractors. Demonstrating just how far battery technology has come, these machines deliver professional-grade, sustainable performance with zero direct emissions, whisper-quiet operation, and low running costs.

Experience the future of turf management with our live Cable-Free Autonomous Robot Mower demonstrations featuring Vista AI Camera Technology. Combining quad-band GNSS-RTK satellite guidance with an integrated visual AI camera, these intelligent mowers actively “see” their surroundings—distinguishing grass from non-grass surfaces, dynamically dodging obstacles (like garden furniture, pets, or adults), and maintaining continuous navigation even under dense tree canopies without perimeter wires.

Seeing is believing, and STIGA is putting visitors firmly in the driving seat. Our outdoor interactive track offers the chance to test-drive ride-on mowers, front-cut tractors, and zero-turn models, guided by our expert technical team.

We are also celebrating our official partnership with England Rugby (RFU)! Simply drop by our stand and register for your chance to win a Limited Edition Allianz Turf Cube—a unique piece of sports turf memorabilia inspired by elite pitch presentation. Plus, take a spin on our interactive prize wheel to bag free STIGA-branded merch and giveaways!

All that innovation can be thirsty work. Back by popular demand, the STIGA Dealer VIP Lounge returns for GroundsFest 2026.

It’s the ultimate pit stop for dealers old and new to talk business, discuss 2026 commercial programs, or escape the show buzz. Enjoy complimentary refreshments, cold drinks, and hot meals straight from Jack’s Meat Shack BBQ in our private rear dining area.

STIGA management, engineers, product experts, and regional sales managers will be on hand throughout both days, offering practical advice, answering questions, and sharing insights you won’t find in a brochure.

Whether you’re exploring battery tech, testing a robot, test-driving a tractor, or catching up over a burger, STIGA has plenty waiting for you at GroundsFest 2026.

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Originally founded in 1889, the renowned heathland course sits within Sutton Park and operates under the careful oversight of both Historic England and Natural England. While its unique location makes it one of the country’s most picturesque golf courses, it also presents significant challenges when undertaking any infrastructure work.

For Chris, the club’s 1991 irrigation system had simply reached the end of its useful life.

“We were constantly dealing with leaks,” he explained. “The pipework was old and the sprinkler coverage, particularly on the tees, was really poor. It was becoming a horrible cycle of losing grass, overseeding, getting it back for winter and then losing it again during the next drought.”

Seeking a long-term solution, Chris began working with KAR UK’s Manager of International Golf Sales Wes Henshaw, whose advice initially centred around improving irrigation performance on one particularly problematic putting green.

“We carried out catch cup testing and realised the sprinklers simply weren’t providing head-to-head coverage,” Chris said. “After changing the layout and increasing distribution uniformity, we virtually eliminated the hand watering that had become part of our daily routine.”

That early success gave Chris confidence in both Hunter’s products and KAR UK’s technical expertise.

When the time came to modernise the course’s irrigation infrastructure, the decision to adopt the Hunter Pilot System was straightforward.

Unlike many projects of this scale, Chris elected to undertake the installation entirely in-house.

The decision wasn’t driven purely by cost. Because the golf course sits within a Scheduled Ancient Monument, every trench had to follow the original pipe routes to avoid disturbing Roman roads, 16th-century boundary ditches and other archaeological features. Historic England closely supervised the works, meaning careful excavation was essential throughout the project.

Over several years the team installed close to 180 Hunter sprinkler heads across greens, approaches and tees, replacing outdated UPVC pipework with modern polyethylene mains.

KAR UK’s support extended well beyond supplying equipment.

“It wasn’t just a case of selling us the hardware. Wes made sure we were installing everything correctly and provided quality control throughout the project.”

The results have transformed daily course management. Where staff once monitored sprinklers throughout the night, the Hunter Pilot System now allows complete confidence in fully automated overnight irrigation programmes.

“We can put it on at ten o’clock at night and know it’ll still be running perfectly at five in the morning.”

Control via the Hunter Pilot mobile app has also provided flexibility.

“If rain suddenly appears that wasn’t forecast, I can switch the system off from my phone. We’ve also got a full course map so we can target individual sprinklers if one area needs more water.”

The club has further enhanced precision by integrating POGO moisture meters with the Hunter Pilot system. Moisture readings are analysed using AI, enabling Chris to fine-tune nozzle selection, irrigation run times and water distribution with increasing accuracy.

“It’s helping us refine everything. We can see exactly where adjustments need to be made.”

Perhaps the greatest benefit has been the amount of labour saved.

Previously, significant staff time was devoted to hand watering, monitoring sprinklers and constantly reacting to irrigation shortcomings. Those hours can now be spent improving other areas of the golf course.

“It’s freed us up. Man hours used to get lost dealing with irrigation. Now we’re able to focus on fine-tuning greens and improving other aspects of the course.”

For Chris, the reduction in pressure has been every bit as valuable as the improved turf quality.

“I think it’s taken a huge amount of stress away. As course managers we always want to produce the best possible surfaces, but when you’ve got the right systems in place, everything becomes easier.”

Reflecting on the completed project, Chris believes the combination of Hunter’s technology and KAR UK’s technical support has fundamentally changed how the course is managed.

“People forget how dated old irrigation systems become until they install a new one.

Afterwards you find yourself wondering how you ever coped before. The accuracy, the reliability and especially being able to service everything from above ground has been a real game changer for us.”

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