Delivery of a new Wiedenman Terra Spike aerator prompted two sets of excellent instant feedback at Stanmore Golf Club, Middlesex.
Firstly, course manager, Barry Neville, and his staff of five greenkeepers reported the GXi8 HD deep aerator had easily tined all 18 greens down to 150 mm with fabulous effect.
“After our installation and training session we just kept going,” he said. “The greens hadn’t been spiked for a few weeks so the team got everything done on day one with 8 mm tines in a 50 mm square hole pattern. The results were so much better than anything that had gone before and faster. We got the required depth, didn’t need to roll them and just cut them the next morning. Within another day the holes were hardly noticeable.”
The second set of plaudits came from Stanmore club members themselves.
“Golfers don’t tend to like any machinery on the greens but we had lots of positive comments, all saying how pleasantly surprised they were by the lack of disturbance to the surface,” continued Barry Neville.
Stanmore Golf Club is an exceptionally varied course which can trace its roots back nearly 125 years and is renowned for its beautiful trees and spectacular vistas. Barry Neville, who has been in charge since 1996 says it’s the first Terra Spike they’ve owned and while it was purchased primarily for greens, tees and approaches it will also be able to tackle fairways.
“I looked at several machines then Mark House from Doe’s Benington suggested the Wiedenmann which stood out by far. We’ll have it tining year-round, every three to four weeks. During summer maintenance week in August we’ll hollow core the greens to 150 mm and follow up with 60 tonnes of a Banks’ medium sand. We’ll get to use our new swath board attachments so I’m really looking forward to trying them out,” continued Barry Neville.
Mark House, Groundcare Area Sales Manager for Ernest Doe Benington said: “Having noticed a few areas which were holding water around 100 mm, Barry was always clear he was looking for something that tined a little bit deeper than what he had already. The GXi8 HD can go to 250 mm and gives the flexibility and neat finish he requires. Its speed took him by surprise adding to its attraction.”
Wiedenman Terra Spike www.wiedenmann.co.uk
Stanmore Golf Club www.stanmoregolfclub.co.uk