STRI (Sports Turf Research Institute), the world’s leading sports turf consultancy, has launched an innovative, new golf course Turf Management Programme (TMP) at the annual BTME (BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition) 2014 in Harrogate.
The comprehensive programme, which uses state-of-the-art Toro Precision Sense Technology, has been designed to assist golf clubs to monitor and manage their golf courses on a site-specific basis. Inputs are applied only where and when required resulting in considerable financial and time savings for the club.
Through accurate measurement and assessment of turf performance, backed by the expert advice of an STRI adviser onsite, the programme is equipped to provide detailed data and analysis across an entire golf course.
Topographical mapping on elevation, slope and aspect together with soil type and moisture, salinity and compaction is captured through the use of a Toro Precision Sense Technology device. Problem zones are easily identified and by measuring a wide range of performance attributes, the STRI Turf Management Programme provides a report with GPS maps and recommendations for improved consistency across the whole course.
STRI, which has extensive experience of providing sportsturf management consultancy at golf courses throughout the UK and Ireland, including all Open Championship courses for the R&A, can also provide surface drainage and soil texture/particle size analysis as part of the new turf performance measurement offering.
Paul Woodham, STRI’s Agronomy Service Manager, said: “We’re delighted to be launching this new and innovative turf management programme. Reducing costs and boosting performance, the service provides golf clubs with a complete and objective view of performance across the whole course – tees, fairways, approaches and greens. For the first time, greenkeepers and course managers are now able to manage their entire course on a site-specific basis.
“By providing detailed data and analysis of turf performance across the entire golf course, course managers have the ability to make informed decisions on priorities for course management and help develop effective plans for future improvements.”
The company’s websites at www.stri.com.au and www.stri.co.uk contain more information on STRI and their range of services.