Royal West Norfolk Golf Club has added a new GKB SP100 Sandspreader to its maintenance fleet, citing exceptional build quality and user-friendly features as key decision factors when considering its purchase.
Head Greenkeeper Gavin Playford, who has been managing the historic links course for nearly four decades, was so impressed by the machine at The Doe Show 2025 that he placed an order on the spot.
“Over the years, we’ve tried several makes and models of topdressers, but the GKB SP100 stood out immediately,” said Playford. “The build quality was evident, and after a detailed conversation with GKB’s Tom Shinkins, I was confident this was the right choice for our club’s needs.”
Situated between the beach and salt marshes, the Royal West Norfolk Golf Club follows a ‘little and often’ approach to topdressing, applying dressing every two to four weeks depending on conditions. The SP100’s 1.0m³ hopper and up to 10m working width have helped enhance both consistency and efficiency in their maintenance routines.
Playford also opted for the electronic control system to simplify rate adjustments. “The electronic controls have made fine-tuning our distribution rates so much easier,” he noted. “The larger hopper has noticeably improved our productivity, and we’ve even used the SP100 for compost applications on the fairways with great success.”
Delivered by Eddie Jack of Ernest Doe, the SP100 was ready just in time for the busy renovation season. With positive feedback from the entire greenkeeping team, the investment marks a step forward in maintaining the high standards of this iconic golf course.