Hunstanton Golf Club, in North West Norfolk, has replaced its old sprayer with a new Toro Multi Pro 5800 in light of statutory NSTS testing (National Sprayer Testing Scheme) being introduced in the UK.
The NSTS test has become a requirement for all boom sprayers this year under the requirements of the Sustainable Use Directive (SUD). The SUD, mandatory throughout the EU, is designed to further enhance the high level of protection achieved through the entire regulatory system for pesticides.
Hunstanton’s head greenkeeper Peter Read says that a new sprayer was imperative given the new testing regulations: “Our previous sprayer was getting very old; with the new laws coming in, it was never going to pass the test.”
Continuing, he explains why the club opted for Toro when appraising sprayers on the market: “Others had recommended it, assuring me it was the best you can buy for the job. Now we’ve had a chance to use it, it’s even better than I expected. It’s easy to use and is foolproof once programmed.”
Engineered to deliver unsurpassed spray accuracy and precision, the Toro Multi Pro 5800 combines extensive customer input with advanced sprayer technology, resulting in an innovative design that provides many performance and operational advancements.
Equally important in Peter’s decision was the after-sales service on offer from Toro and distributor Lely. “Danny Lake (Lely’s Norfolk-based sales manager) was a key factor in choosing Toro,” he says. “He offers great advice and is a close-by point of contact should there be any issues.”
Joining Hunstanton’s new sprayer is a Toro GreensPro 1240 greens roller. Delivering exceptionally smooth and fast greens with a superior operator platform, Peter says they decided to invest in the GreensPro 1240 as part of the course’s redevelopment plans.
Rated as one of Britain & Ireland’s ‘Top 100’ courses, Hunstanton is a superb championship links course that’s undergone extensive redevelopment of late, including new bunkering of all four par 5s and reshaping of the 8th and 10th holes. The current phase of development will be completed this winter with the redesign of the 1st and 18th holes.
“With the course’s development nearing completion, now’s the perfect time to invest in new machinery, ensuring that the improvements we’re making are perfectly maintained,” Peter concludes.
Toro turf products are distributed throughout mainland UK by Lely Turfcare, 1 Station Road, St Neots PE19 1QH. Call 01480 226800, email turfcare.uk@lely.com or visit lelyturfcare.co.uk / www.toro.com for further details. And in Ireland by Lely Ireland Limited, Kilboggin, Nurney, Co. Kildare. Call 00 353 (0)45 526170 or email turfcaresales.ie@lely.com.
Hunstanton Golf Club www.hunstantongolfclub.com
National Sprayer Testing Scheme www.nsts.org.uk