An educational event organised by ICL and Syngenta brought together over 50 greenkeepers from seven different counties for a day filled with insightful presentations and valuable networking opportunities at Burnham & Berrow Golf Club in Somerset.
Liam Rowlands, the ICL Technical Area Sales Manager in the southwest, and the driving force behind the event, emphasised the event’s core objective – to educate greenkeepers, facilitate knowledge sharing, and promote professional growth within the turf industry.
The event featured presentations by Liam, Henry Bechelet, ICL Technical Manager, and Sean Loakes, Technical Manager for Syngenta.
Bechelet shared his extensive expertise in agronomy, focusing on strategies to improve sward species progression in golf greens through ‘The Disturbance Theory’, alongside the importance of water management techniques.
Loakes addressed the challenges of controlling Dollar spot, particularly prevalent in the southwest, and discussed disease management strategies and programmes. He highlighted the importance of understanding regional challenges and tailoring solutions through ongoing trials and development.
Attendees such as Liam Pigden, Deputy Course Manager at Burnham and Berrow, and Richard Ponsford, Course Manager at Clevedon Golf Club, echoed the sentiment that education is the cornerstone of professional development in turf management.
Pigden noted: “The water management presentation was very interesting, and it was great to see the data and the trials rather than us just putting products on the course and assuming they are going to work. Education is key.”
Ponsford added: “I’ve come away with more ideas on how to deal with Dollar Spot, and I’ll be looking at a couple of greens a bit differently in terms of moisture management. No matter what line of work you are in, education is useful because the day you stand still is the day you get left behind. It’s been a fascinating event.”
Eddie Cambell, Head Greenkeeper at Ogbourne Downs Golf Club, found the event an excellent opportunity to stay abreast of industry advancements and connect with fellow greenkeepers facing similar challenges. The discussions on water management and the prevalence of Dollar Spot were particularly beneficial, offering insights into proactive strategies for turf maintenance.
Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-growingsolutions.uk and icl-growingsolutions.ie if you are in Ireland.