Williamwood Golf Club has had a Wiedenmann Terra Spike GXi8 HD deep aerator in sight for several seasons. This autumn, a well subscribed winter membership initiative finally made it a reality for the west of Scotland course.
“Increased demand for winter play heightened the need to keep the course open,” said Course Manager, Gerry Bruen. “The Wiedenmann is our tool of choice to make that happen.”
The James Braid designed parkland course is nestled in the outskirts of south Glasgow. Gerry Bruen and his team of five greenkeepers cope valiantly with above average rainfall to deliver a consistently high standard of surface.
“Everything about the GXi8 HD confirms how aerators have moved on. Set up takes minutes and not a morning. The depth and heave settings are tool free and can be set in seconds. You just adjust them to suit the conditions on the day. The machine has several shock absorption systems so there’s no shock transfer to the operator or tractor. Basically it’s just getting the gearing and speed right and off you go.
“We’re out and back within the weather windows. Last year to do one of the wider fairways took a full day and a half. Now it’s done thoroughly in less than one. Crucially our members are benefiting with less disruption.
“After nine weeks we’re almost two full months ahead of where we would be normally with prep for next season. We haven’t allocated extra time. Aeration for us has become an altogether smarter operation.
The 1.8 metre wide is Wiedenmann’s most popular Terra Spike, the access–all-areas status giving it the versatility to take tees, greens and fairways in its stride.
“Everywhere is scheduled for at least two passes before spring but key areas are earmarked for more. Never before could I have contemplated some of the fairways receiving three visits. In the coming months we will hollow core a few select spots to open the surface even further.”
Alan Jack, Area Sales Manager (West) for Fairways GM, Wiedenmann UK’s dealer in Scotland said: “Gerry knew exactly what he wanted. The GXi8 HD had his name on it from the start so our involvement has been to help him and his team become familiar and use the machine to best effect. His team is powering through so next season he’ll really be able to see a difference especially to his fairways.”
Fairways GM http://www.fairwaysgm.com/
Wiedenmann UK http://www.wiedenmann.co.uk/
Williamwood Golf Club http://www.williamwoodgc.co.uk/