gmé | issuu 34

btme set for review?It’s show time again, but with rumours aboundthat many of the industries leading companies

are planning to pull-out of 2005, what doesthe future hold for BTME and Harrogate?

The leading business magazine for the pan-European golf industry

GolfGolfManagementE u ro p e page 26

December 2003www.portman.uk.com

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Contents

Just for a while it seemed some progress might be made - just a little bit, butsignificant all the same. Word reached us at Golf Management Europe that BTMEand SALTEX might be merging to off-set the risk of leading manufacturers with-

drawing their support on an annual basis.

However, BIGGA’s communications manager, Scott MacCallum, tells us onpage 26, that the rumour is just that - a rumour - and nobody has been

involved in any such talks.

Fair enough. Golf accounts for around only 10 per cent of the visitorsto SALTEX - so keeping the two separate probably makes sense.

However, even if the rumours of a merger were a mere whiff ofsmoke without a spark of fire, it may make other people in theindustry sit up and think.

Industries’ needs change - and the status quo need not bepreserved just for the sake of it. BTME is probably on theverge of outgrowing Harrogate - not just in size but indemand.

In America, the US equivalent is staged at various venuesaround the country - and while the UK is obviously not asvast, it would still make sense to take it to Edinburgh,Birmingham or even into Europe occasionally.

And there are still far too many shows in the golfindustry. Not just on this continent but worldwide.

The attitude of exhibition organisers is presumablythat there is enough out there for everybody - butthat is hard on the small to medium-sized companieswho wish to get their message out to the widestpossible audience.

Their annual marketing budget is probably smallerthan an exhibition’s entertainment budget - so whyshould they find their business fragmented to furtherthe commercial success of event-organising compa-nies, many of whom’s only contact with the golfindustry is the fact they organise an exhibition?

If two exhibitions were to take the brave step offorming an all-under-one-roof event, it would makeother arms of the industry sit up and take notice.Then, we might not see, for example, two similarexhibitions, separated by a two-hour flight, over-lapping by several days.

Such instances do little for the industry’s credibility- and surely nobody wants to see golf fragmented in

the same way boxing has been merely to cosset thefinancial interests of the few.

So what doesthe future holdfor Harrogate?

issue 34credits;editorJohn Vinicombe

contributorsDavid BowersAlister MarshallRob Wright

publisherMichael Lenihan

administrationSharon O’Connell

printPrintwise (Haverhill) Ltd

Golf Management EuropeSuffolk Studios284 Ravenswood AvenueIpswich IP3 9TQUnited Kingdom

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© Portman Publishing andCommunications Ltd 2003

cover story 7

the old course 20

finance 14

derek boulton 32

Golf Management Europe December 2003

News

December 2003 Golf Management Europe

Faldo under fire from IrishenvironmentalistsLead StoryNick Faldo has come under fire fromnature lovers after he bought an islandoff the coast of Ireland.

The former top-ranked player in theworld plans to turn Bartragh Island intowhat he claims could be “the mostunique golf links course in the world.”

But his purchase has outraged environ-mentalists.

Local heritage officer Ian Lumley said:“It is one of the few really ecologicalareas of the country. There is very littleevidence of human life there and it isone of the few areas that the birds andwildlife have to themselves.

“It is a shame that such a pristine areawill be used when the area is alreadyamply supplied with golf courses.”

Bartragh Island consists of 360 acresof duneland nestling in Killala Bay.

It is bordered by the salmon-filledRiver Moy on one side and the AtlanticOcean on the other.

It was described by Faldo as the “mostmagical and extraordinary property,” hehad seen.

He said: “The golf links I envisagewould be essentially ‘hand-crafted’, areturn to how courses were created longago. It is an incredible site and it wouldnot be a case of building a course, somuch as ‘discovering’ it.

“It would be wonderful to restore thedilapidated Bartragh House and our planswould be appropriately ‘low key’ andextremely sensitive to the environment.

“My goal is to draw from and enhancethe island’s natural beauty, and in doingso, I want to create something that thelocal community will welcome.”

Historic Waterville GC is currentlyundergoing an extensive programme ofupgrading and modernisation to enhanceits reputation as one of the finest linksin the world.

The course is owned by a consortium ofIrish Americans who have employed theservices of renowned American architectTom Fazio. Few, if any, holes will be leftuntouched by the time the work isfinished around April or May of next year.

Many of the greens will remain thesame but the sixth, seventh and 18th arenew. The sixth has been reduced to a parthree and the seventh is a new doglegpar four, all to make way for a new state-of-the-art practice facility.

Waterville was a favourite spot for thelate Payne Stewart. He was posthumouslyelected honorary captain of the club in2000, the same year he was to defend hisUS Open title at Pebble Beach.

PGA in gearwith Jaguar

The PGA has further expanded itscorporate golf division in a new dealwith Coventry-based Jaguar Cars.

The PGA is to administer golf days fora number of Jaguar dealerships, whichare located across the UK.

The deal could generate up to an extra100 days activity a year for the special-ist PGA division as part of the brief fromJaguar to try and encourage each of itsdealerships to offer a golf day to theircustomers.

“Throughout the UK, professional firmsare regularly using golf days to developmore intimate links with team membersand important clients,” explained thePGA’s commercial director, Mike Gray.

“For Jaguar and many of our otherclients, corporate golf days have becomebig business and will feature moreprominently on the boardroom agendaover the next few years.

“With such importance being placedon these events, it stands to reason thatJaguar should turn to us.”

The PGA and Jaguar are no strangers,having launched a successful schemeearlier this year in which all PGAmembers can take advantage of prefer-ential leasing rates on the Jaguar range.

Waterville gets a make-overEnvironmentaward won byKenwick Park

The members and staff of Kenwick ParkGolf Club, Lincolnshire, have beenawarded first prize in the 2003 BIGGAGolf Environment Competition.

The competition judges golf clubs onthe measures they take to manage theamenity and wildlife habitat in the mostenvironmentally sensitive way.


The Royal Liverpool Golf Club is putting its faith in Toro to help prepare its famouslinks for the 2006 Open Championship by signing a five-year deal that will see Toro’s

turf maintenance machinery used exclusively in the run-up to the Open. Links managerDerek Green said: “With the Open coming up we needed to find one manufacturer

which could give us the best deal for both high-quality machinery and support. Wetook 12 months to assess Toro and they came out top against other manufacturers.”

Royal Liverpool choose Toro

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Select is an established company distributing a well-developedproduct. Our aim is to push back the boundaries to all in the golfindustry, offering lockers and benches to the highest standard.

We offer a wide variety of locker doors, locking mechanisms and allauxiliary products including; towel racks, towel drops, cantileveredbenching, freestanding benches, vanity units, carpeted benches,shoe shelves and any bespoke accessory.

Rocco Forte Hotels has revealed plansfor a €124m golf and spa resort on thesouth coast of Sicily.

The Vedura Golf and Spa resort devel-opment will be dependent upon theapproval of a €35m government grantapplication, which will top up the rest ofthe funding. If this is confirmed, theresort is scheduled to open in 2007.

The resort development will involve therestoration of several existing buildings,combined with new constructions intend-ed to reflect the history and character ofSicily and the surrounding region. Thesite will include a 200-bedroom hotelwith two 18-hole golf courses designedby architect Kyle Phillips.

Forte said: “We believe the new resortwill be one of the most exciting luxuryresort developments in Europe for thelast 25 years.

“This project will create 300 new jobsand help cement the growing reputationof Sicily as a luxury destination.”

Plans in handat Vedura

The development of Peter De Savary’s Devon estate is nearing completion with thecastle estate now set to open to guests as ‘England’s ultimate luxury destination’ inearly spring 2004. De Savary’s sale of the Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle in Scotlandwas made earlier this year for a reported £30.5m. His new Devon development - BoveyCastle - is situated within the 368-square-mile Dartmoor National Park.

Overlooking the River Bovey, the estate has 11 miles of salmon and trout fishingalongside an historic championship golf course, which is seeing £12m-worth ofrestoration under the direction of Donald Steel and Tom Mackenzie.

Bovey nears completion

News


Castle Parkowner takeshis own life

The owner of one of Scotland’s mostpicturesque golf courses has been founddead in the bedroom of his farmhouseafter taking his own life.

Stuart Fortune, 59, was found by hiswife Frances in their bedroom early inthe morning in mid-December aftercoming home from a night shift.

Fortune was secretary at Castle ParkGolf Club near Haddington, East Lothian,after converting 81 acres of his farm in1994 to create the 18-hole course nearthe Lammermuir Hills. Residents in thevillage said they were stunned to hear ofFortune’s death and had no idea whatdrove him to suicide.

Fortune worked alongside local hotelowners to sell ‘play and stay’ packages athis course but his attempts failed toattract enough golfers out of season.

One friend of Fortune told how he hadbeen dreading the winter months. Thefriend, a member of Castle Park Golf Club,said: “This course was Stuart’s baby. Itwas his dream business venture and hewas completely responsible for every partof the running of it.

“During the summer months it hadbeen really busy, but over the winter it isonly really members who play.

“Stuart had been doing everything hecould to increase the pay-as-you-playtrade, and had even linked up with a fewof the local hotels for golfing holidays,but it wasn’t enough.”

The club, which initially traded underthe name Castle Park Golf Limited, tooktwo years to landscape and was officiallyopened by the former Scotland rugbyplayer, Scott Hastings.

It ran into financial difficulties in1998 when it was formally dissolved,after which Fortune continued to run theclub as sole owner and club secretary.

PGA Golf Management has been award-ed its seconds major contract, by HisExcellency Shaikh Rashid Bin Khalifa AlKhalifa, chairman of BahrainInternational Golf Course Company,(BIGCC) who owns the Riffa Golf Clubpictured above.

The five-year appointment, worth anestimated six figure sum, comes justmonths after PGA Golf Management re-entered the golf facility managementscene.

The appointment is in conjunctionwith Gleneagles, who have been integralto the first five years of Riffa’s develop-ment and the appointment of PGA GolfManagement reflects the strength of thisrelationship.

It is expected that the new appoint-ment will see the continued growth ofRiffa Golf Club which will include asecond 18-hole course with leisure facili-ties and real estate units.

Keith Haslam, operations director ofPGA Golf Management said: “To secure acontract of this scale within the first fewmonths of operation is an incredibleachievement.

“The Riffa deal allows us to lookbeyond Europe and provide our expertisein an emerging market which offers widereaching opportunities for developersand management alike.”

The decision to continue withGleneagles was based upon a number offactors according to Shaikh MohammedBin Isa Al Khalifa, BIGCC’s vice chairman.

“We have been comfortable workingwith Gleneagles management team andcontinuity was a big factor.

We have high aspirations for Riffa GolfClub to become one of the region’s lead-ing leisure facilities. Our expansion plansare very exciting and we feel PGA GolfManagement will help us to achievethese goals.”

WychwoodPark for sale

FPD Savills have been instructed tosell the recently constructed NorthCourse at Wychwood Park, Cheshire, onbehalf of Countryside Strategic Projectsplc, for around £1.25m.

Countryside has carried out a majordevelopment scheme at Wychwood Parkthat includes a 108-bedroom conferencecentre, 390 executive homes and twogolf courses - the North and South.

Cathcartback to par

Cathcart Castle Golf Club, near Glasgow,has completed a brand new par three,8th hole, designed by Robin Hiseman andconstructed by Kestrel Golf.

This re-design features a rock strewnburn and deep bunkers, which form thecentrepiece of a three-hole refurbishmentproject that additionally involved signifi-cant design improvements to both the3rd and 15th holes.

“The changes will add some real strate-gic spice to the course,” said Hiseman.“The design of each new green providesthe flexibility to radically alter the degreeof difficulty and the best approach angle,depending upon where the hole is cut.”

PGA secure new Riffa deal


Yamaha Motor (UK) LtdSopwith Drive, Brooklands

Weybridge KT13 0UZ England

Telephone: 01932 358096Facsimile: 01932 358090

www.yamaha-motor.co.uk

Cover StoryFor more than 20 years, Yamaha havebeen supplying golf cars throughout theworld, and it remains today, the onlymanufacturer that specifically designsand builds golf cars with the rigours ofthe golf course in mind.

The company has always lead theway with its innovative ideas, the latestof which is a dual-fuel golf car allowingusers to switch between LPG andPetrol.

Golf sales manager Brian Swindentakes up the story: �2003 has been avery good year for Yamaha. Not onlydid we launch the new G-MAX rangeof golf cars, which we believe to be the

best engineered golf car in the industry,we also introduced a dual fuelledLPG/Petrol car which combines thelatest and most advanced fuel-efficienttechnology.

�Put simply, if a car runs out ofLPG whilst out on the course, the golfercan instantly flick a switch and contin-ue running on petrol. The principal alsoworks in reverse. This technology is anindustry first.�

A unique concept, which givesYamaha the edge in what is growing intoa very competitive market. According toofficial statistics, there are over 12,000golf cars in the UK, with Yamaha havinga third of the market share.

Customer service is also an area inwhich Yamaha excel according toSwinden. �We feel that the serviceelement is without doubt the mostimportant element to our customers.

�All Yamaha customers are dealtwith by our direct service centresenabling technicians to deal with anyservice requirement quickly and effi-ciently. In addition, a 24 hour parts serv-ice is operated direct from Holland.�

So what of next year? �2004 will seenew products which will further enhancethe current range of Yamaha golf cars,�added Swinden.

�We are also looking at additionaltechnology which will enable ourYamaha fleet operators to maximise theprofitability of their golf car fleets.�

Yamaha aim to continuegrowth into 2004

The classic Hayter Harrier 56 roller rotary mower is capableof picking up tees and divots quickly and effortlessly. Thesplit ribbed roller with a differential aids manoeuvrabilityaround the tee, and gives the traditional striped finish.

No tools are needed to adjust the height of cut, which cango as low as 13mm (1/2”) giving you total control over eachtee. Built in front fins on the deck noticeably improve thecutting quality and collection ability and the large capacitygrassbag is easy to remove and fit.

The Harrier 56 can be used all year round and will minimisecompaction of tees particularly during the winter months.

So versatile, the Harrier 56 can be used in so manyareas around the club, you’ll wonder how you managedwithout one.

For more information, call 01279 723444, [email protected] or visit our website: www.hayter.co.uk.

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News

Cutting trials carried out at the CelticManor Resort in South Wales by JimMcKenzie, director of golf and coursemanager, demonstrate how regularlysharpening mower blades and settingswith no-contact will give vital benefitsto clubs and their players.

“Here at the Celtic Manor the conditionof the course has improved and ourmaintenance costs considerably reducedusing Bernhard Express Dual andAnglemaster grinders and a no-contactset up,” says McKenzie.

“I started experimenting on our cham-pionship Wentwood Hills course and thedifference was amazing.”

Mower set-up is highly critical at toptournaments such as The Wales Openhosted by the Celtic Manor.

“Top players want consistency of playthroughout the day. They don’t want tofind conditions have seriously deteriorat-ed if they are last out in the field.

“If greens are cut first thing in themorning using the contact method thisstresses the grass. As a result it growsmore quickly during the day to try andrecover.

“Condition of the greens is then signif-icantly worse by the time the later play-ers tee off. No-contact creates a morelevel playing field,” added McKenzie.

McKenzie stresses the point

Intercontinental Hotels Group hasannounced a deal with Spanish realestate resort developer, Polaris WorldDevelopment, to extend the number ofgolf resorts in its portfolio. The deal willsee three new hotels with courses builtin Murcia, Spain.

The Intercontinental El Valle GolfResort and Crowned Plaza La Tore GolfResort will each feature an 18-holecourse designed by Jack Nicklaus andinclude 110 and 200 rooms respectively.Both are expected to open by the end of2007.

The first to open however, will be theIntercontinental Mar Manor Golf Resort.The 64-room hotel will have a nine-holegolf course designed by Dave Thomasand is scheduled to open in early 2005.All the hotels will also feature swimmingpools, gyms and spa facilities.

Imants andRedexim form‘alliance’

Former manufacturing rivals Imants BVand Redexim BV, have announced a‘strategic marketing alliance’. The unionbrings together two companies with avast wealth of knowledge and experiencein the manufacture of specialist turfcareequipment.

Felix Peters, managing director ofDutch-based Imants BV, said: “We havebeen considering our strategy to targetthe world markets for some time now.

“Imants have been highly successful inEurope for many years, but we fullyrecognised our limited impact in the USAand the rest of the world.

“This joint marketing venture will giveus immediate access to Redexim’s world-wide dealer network and will enable usto pool our unrivalled experience indesign and development of high qualityturf machinery for the mutual benefit ofboth companies.”

The famous trend-setting Imants rotarydecompactors and the unique Rotoknifeslitter/aerator will be marketed as ownbrand by Redexim, alongside the verywell established and highly popularVerti-Drain aerator.

However, Peters was quick to point outthat the UK, Ireland, Holland and otherwell-established markets will be specifi-cally excluded from thedeal.

Murcia set forgolf explosion

A British manufacturer is set to launcha new and innovative golf range mat atthe 2004 PGA Merchandise Show inOrlando next month.

The mat, which is called TrueStrike, hasbeen developed by inventor Philip Searafter a close encounter with a waterbed,a couple of golf clubs and a ball.

“It all started about five years ago,”explained Philip Sear, founder ofTrueStrike and inventor of the TrueStrikegolf mat.

“I was fed up with forever hurtingmyself and being rewarded with unrealis-tic shots when using the hard basedsynthetic grass mats at my local range.

“One night, after a particularly painfuland unrewarding session, I returnedhome and decided to experiment hittingballs from my waterbed, just to see howpainless and realistic it might feel.

“Fromthe firstfew shots, Iknew I had struckmore than just a fewballs; I’d hit upon the idea for what isnow the new TrueStrike golf range mat.”

The secret to the TrueStrike mat is thestriking area, which makes use of a ‘ruck-able’ top surface.

This works in conjunction with theheart of the mat, the divot simulatingsubsurface, which produces a strike areathat feels and plays just like a naturalfairway - an effect TrueStrike calls ‘fair-way forgiveness’.

TrueStrike believe this ‘fairway forgive-ness’ is a massive leap forward in golfmat performance, especially whencompared to the wrist-breaking materialsthat adorn most golf range bays.

Unique idea set tostrike Orlando


Heaton Park Golf Centre, owned by Manchester City Council and managed byPlaygolf, have chosen Mox to supply their new fleet of Ransomes Jacobsen

equipment valued at over £100,000. Ransomes Jacobsen products have been usedat the course since Playgolf took over the management of the two golf courses in1996. Head greenkeeper, Andy Street, did evaluate other products, but decided to

stay Ransomes Jacobsen, a brand which Street was familiar with.

Playgolf choose Mox

Swan GGolf DDesigns LLimitedIInntteerrnnaattiioonnaall GGoollff CCoouurrssee AArrcchhiitteeccttssTTeellffoorrddss BBaarrnn,, WWiilllliinnggaallee,, OOnnggaarr,, EEsssseexx CCMM55 00QQFF,, EEnnggllaanndd

+44 (0) 1277 896229 +44 (0) 1277 [email protected]

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Master PPlanning oof NNew CCoursesDetailed DDesigns

Renovation oof EExisting CCoursesDesign aand EEstablishment MManagement

Restoration oof HHistoric CCourses

Klaxon ensures safety Golfers at Kirby Muxloe Golf Club are among the first in the country to be protected

from lightning strikes by Klaxon’s new Golf Course Warning System. The new productinnovation allows course officials to instantaneously raise an alarm, reaching over1km, to warn players on the course about their impending danger.

Club manager, Brian Woodcock, said: “It was really easy to install, and it’s so unob-trusive. The gas canister and button of the Golf Course Warning System fits neatly intoa small storage room at the back of the clubhouse, with the air horn mounteddiscreetly on the outside of the building.”

New jobs partof the plan

A £7m revamp at a Shropshire golfclub is likely to lead to the creation ofaround 60 new jobs.

Hill Valley Golf Club, in Whitchurch, isset for the major makeover in 2004 afterowners Albert and Tony Minshall joinedforces with Macdonald Hotels.

The plans will see the addition of 80luxury bedrooms and a state-of-the-artleisure club and spa. The golf club’sexisting clubhouse will also be refur-bished and upgraded.

The two existing golf courses - theEmerald and the Sapphire - will beimproved generally, and will have newtee markers, signage and buggy paths.

Albert Minshall also revealed plans fora 150-home development on the site,subject to approval.

He said: “Macdonald Hotels don’t knowmuch about golf and we’re not very goodhoteliers so we’re confident that themove is a positive one for the club andthe area.”

News


After three years of construction and a€5 million investment in the re-designand construction of the golf course,Dromoland Castle Hotel and CountryEstate is ready to join the ranks of thefinest golf resorts in Ireland.

The golf course at Dromoland Castlehas been reborn and the renaissancemeans Co. Clare is about to add one morecourse to a growing list of world-classgolf resorts in Ireland.

After three years of re-design andconstruction, development has finishedand the waiting is nearly over for thosewho wish to sample this new JB Carr andRon Kirby creation.

“Dromoland Castle now has a golfcourse worthy of this great estate,” saidmanaging director Mark Nolan. “Wehoped for something special and aredelighted with the outcome.

“It has quite simply exceeded our mostoptimistic expectations.”

The design intended to embrace thenatural canvas of the estate rather thanimpose itself upon it and the result is acourse ‘like no other in Ireland’ claimclub officials.

Many of the new parkland courses havebeen ‘American’ in their design, butDromoland was determined to create acourse that reflects the excellence of thehotel.

“Dromoland Castle is one of myfavourite places and I am incrediblyproud to have played a part in the addi-tion of this challenging golf course,” saiddesigner JB Carr.

With the work now completed andinterest reaching fever pitch, Dromolandhas re-opened its membership and hasbegun taking reservations for 2004.

Renaissance complete atDromoland Castle

The Old Course remains a firm favouritewith Americans according to a recentsurvey which ranked the Old Course asthe best course in Scotland.

Carried out by Travel and Leisure Golfmagazine, the survey attracted more than18,000 respondents.

Also in the top ten was the New Coursewhich was tied ninth with North Berwick,and Kingsbarns which came sixth.

Turnberry, Carnoustie, Royal Dornoch,Gleneagles and Royal Troon all featuredhighly in the survey.

Old Coursestill the best

When Yorkshire farmer GrahamChapman was looking to diversify andbuild an 18-bay fully automated golfdriving range he turned to grass seedbreeder Barenbrug UK for advice.

Their help together with his own hardwork has resulted in the York Golf Rangeopening with a superb playing surface.

Located four miles from the centre ofYork, with very sandy soil the York GolfRange has been operating for six monthsand the grass has stood up well to thepressures.

Barenbrug recommended a specialmixture of dwarf perennial ryegrasses andBarcrown, the No 1 creeping red fescue.The mixture was sown in August 2002and by the end of October it was readyfor its first cut. By the end of February ithad thickened up well and the golf rangeopened for play in mid-April.

The best inthe North

Top Golf aimsfor new site

TopGolf is to locate its second UK siteat Chigwell in Essex. The site is plannedto open in March 2004 and will sitalongside a Holmes Place Health Cluband Woolston Manor Golf Club.

TopGolf - featured in the June 2002edition of GME - is a state-of-the-artpractice facility where premium golf ballscontaining tiny microchips are hit fromdriving bays on to a 250m long outfield.

The microchip relays the distance andaccuracy of each shot to the player’sscreen in each bay.

“TopGolf is a fantastic way of growingthe sport and getting more peopleinvolved - just look at the number ofnew players teeing up at the centre,”said Richard Flint, golf developmentmanager for the English Golf Union.

The Chigwell site will feature 55 driv-ing bays in a two-storey range, golfretail and tuition, as well as a café/barand corporate entertainment facilities.

Baydrive Group Limited secured owner-ship of the first TopGolf Game Centre inWatford in October 2002, together withthe rights to develop TopGolf in the UKand Ireland. Backed by HendersonPrivate Capital, it plans to open tenTopGolf Game Centres throughout the UKand Eire over the next five years.


Members! MJ Abbott Ltd 01722 716361

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! Artington Golf Ltd 023 9259 [email protected]

! Blakedown Sports (SE) Ltd 020 8979 [email protected]

! J & E Ely Ltd 01189 [email protected]

! John Greasley Ltd 0116 269 [email protected]

! Steve Hill Ltd 01844 [email protected]

! Kestrel Golf and Sports Ltd 01256 [email protected]

! Land Unit Construction Ltd 01908 [email protected]

! John Pierson (SM) Ltd 01202 [email protected]

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www.bagcc.org.ukA code of ethics for Members and Associates is

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Johnsen and Jorgensen recently pulledout all the stops to supply 25,000 FrostFlex 16-oz disposable tumblers to theClub de Golf, Valderrama, in time for thegrand finale of the PGA European Tourlast month.

The durable matt-surfaced polypropy-lene tumblers, which can be printed in upto five colours, were rotary screen-print-ed with the Valderrama logo to drivehome the club’s corporate image.

The order came after an executive fromthe Spanish club discovered the tumblerswhile attending the US Open at Oakhill.Impressed by their quality, he contactedmakers WNA Comet and was referred toJohnsen and Jorgensen who are the soldEuropean distributors.

“We were delighted at being asked tosupply Frost Flex tumblers toValderrama,” said Johnsen and Jorgensendrinkware specialist Lyn Jarvis. “They arethe choice of promotional drinkware atUS sports events like the Superbowl andKentuky Derby.

“What’s more, printed tumblers scorehighly as a branding vehicles. Unlike foodwrappings the logo or sales messagewon’t be thrown away - it remains literal-ly under the drinker’s nose.”

Grist to theMill at EvianMasters

Juli Inkster (pictured) of the USA wonthe flagship event of the Ladies EuropeanTour, the Evian Masters, back in July butshe didn’t command all the accolades atthis prestigious event.

Competitors, spectators and the organ-isers were universal in their praise for thecondition of the course, which was atestament to assistant course managerJean Yves Vulliez and his greenkeepingteam.

Situated high above the south bank ofLake Geneva in the 42 acre Royal ParcEvian, the Evian Masters Golf Club is oneof Europe’s most beautiful courses.

Maintenance of the course is undertak-en almost exclusively with turf equip-ment supplied by Ransomes JacobsenFrance, based at Cugnaux, near Toulouse.

Club director Yannick Le Hec, who hasworked extensively at golfing resorts inthe USA and at Walton Heath in England,commented: “Our team here workedmagnificently to prepare the course forthis prestigious event and the quality ofthe turf maintenance equipment certainlycontributed to the condition of thecourse.

“From the greens to the semi-rough,the presentation was immaculate and theplayers certainly appreciated the effortthat had been expended to provide suchsuperb playing surfaces.

“We are used to preparing for majorevents here at Evian, be it golf competi-tions or international conferences.

“The Hotel Royal, situated in the townclose to the park, was the venue for arecent G8 Summit and part of our respon-sibility is to maintain the grounds.”

News


Fixby speedup greens

The £500,000 scheme to rebuild theputting greens at Fixby to top USGAspecification has been hastened.

What was originally planned to be athree to four-year programme, commenc-ing 12 months ago, is hoped to becompleted in two.

Come next season Fixby aim to possessa course playable all year round. Fourgreens were replaced last close season andthough it was planned for the remaining14 to follow in stages, a decision wastaken to include them all in one phase.

Work on the plans, drawn up byCameron Sinclair and carried out bycontractor Nigel Ely, is already under way.The work is moving ahead of scheduleand is due to be completed before thenew year, though the date depends onsuitable weather conditions.

The Fixby project also includes somecourse alterations - the reshaping of thepar four 12th fairway, new tees at 13 and15 and a re-siting of the short 13thgreen.

New deal forClub Car

Club Car have signed an agreement withDubai Golf, which has been described asthe most significant agreement made inthis territory in recent years.

The deal has been agreed via Club Car’sdistributor, Hydroturf, and Club Car’sbusiness development manager forEurope, the Middle East and Africa, KevinHart explained the significance of thisdeal: “Club Car identified this particularmarket as an important area to concen-trate our efforts on in 2003.

“This deal is an important addition tothe portfolio of clients Club Car has inthe Middle East and really bears testa-ment to the quality of our product.

“It is also underlines our commitmentto developing close long-term relation-ships with our customers.”

Frost Flex tumblers suitValderrama to a tee

Toro will launch a revolutionary new cutting system at BTME next month thatenables its ride-on greensmowers to shave a golf green closer than ever before. Thecutting unit will clip down as low as just 1/16th of an inch, which is 1/32nd of an

inch lower than was previously possible. Toro is introducing the unit to meet themove by greenkeepers for faster greens and take advantage of new plant cultivars

that can be cut right down.

Toro unveil revolutionary unit


HAWTREEGOLF COURSE ARCHITECTS

Since 1912

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TEL: (01993) 811976 FAX: (01993) 812448E-Mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.hawtree.co.uk

Martin HawtreeFellow of the European Institute of Golf Course Architects

Ransomes Jacobsen will feature alter-native power for golf turf maintenanceapplications at BTME next month, includ-ing MagKnife, the revolutionary newmagnetic system for attaching thebottom blade to a greens or fairwaycylinder mower.

Key products featured on the stand andusing alternative power will include theJacobsen E-Walk all-electric, walk behindgreens mower; the Jacobsen E-Plex IIelectric triplex greens mower and the newelectric version of the flexi-head walkbehind Jacobsen Tournament Cut.

Other new products on display willinclude the 4 x 4 petrol EZGO ST turfutility vehicle; a new range of JacobsenBunker Rakes and the Iseki THG33, aperformance enhancing compact tractor.

A visit to Hall A, Stand 23 is not to bemissed; it’s where discerning turf careprofessionals can find innovative solu-tions for their turf maintenance require-ments.

Innovation onoffer at BTME

IMG breaknew ground

Work commenced in November tobegin building the Tam Dao Golf Course,the biggest investment by Vietnamesebusiness in the northern mid-landprovince of Vinh Phuc.

The 18-hole golf course will be locatedon an area of 136 ha in Hop Chau, HoSon and Minh Quang communes. Thecourse is about 20 km from the resorttownship of Tam Dao and 90 km north-west of Ha Noi.

The new course, which is expected tobe completed during the summer of2005, has been designed by IMG and willcost in the region of 150 billion VND(£5.5 million).

In addition to the golf course, thecomplex will comprise dozens of luxuryvillas for rent, and will house high-quali-ty rooms for massage, facilities for sportand physical exercises.

A swimming pool, a tennis court andan international conference centrecomplete the complex.

Paying the Piper


We�ve said it before andwe�ll say it again; golfersfaced with a plethora ofclubs to choose from,

with their expectations raised by theubiquitous spread of �championship�courses, will always gravitate towardsthe holes which meet their best criteria.

Golf will forever be an aspirationalpursuit, but for golf course managersand greenkeepers, the aspirations tosurvive and succeed are very different,but just as strong if not stronger.

So somehow, golf clubs� officiarieshave to weave the delicate threads oftheir own compulsions together withthose of their customers into somethingtruly compelling, with little else otherthan the loom of their course shoulder-ing their best efforts.

Because even though you need agreat clubhouse with an attractive barand enticing catering to help create theultimate all-round golf-leisure experi-ence, if the other 18 holes aren�t up toscratch, the 19th can�t carry the weightof your business on its own.

So, as you�re convinced that coursemaintenance and investment is missioncritical for your business, you want toplan the most resourceful way to stopyour 18 holes from becoming perfora-tions that puncture your club�s prospects.

And shrewdly, you recognise theneed for some sound financial advice.Intriguingly, a significant proportion ofgolf clubs have bank managers on theircommittee - as treasurers or otherwise.

So you think about getting theminvolved. But you�re concerned aboutwhether your bank can truly give youthe most cost effective deal because theycan�t shop around like an independentfinancier can, or whether you reallyshould put all your eggs in one basket.ExploreSo you begin to explore a number ofother specialist funding options, similarto the businesses we outline in thesepages. Like Golf Finance, the UK�sonly specialist financier in golf and thegolf groundscare industry.

Ian Henderson, Golf Finance�smanaging director, outlined the generalapproach to take, whilst getting in hispersonal word of caution about thebanks: �My advice would be that clubsshouldn�t rely on their banks because oftheir very rigid guidelines, plus there�s aflexibility which we can offer that thebanks just aren�t able to match.

�So I�d suggest that clubs sit downwith their finance and operations direc-tors to produce a current inventory ofmachinery, as well as a wish list.

�Then, the next task is to work outprofiles and payments in line with theirown needs and best projections,because it�s very important to put in astructure that helps maintain the level ofequipment needed to keep the qualityhigh.

�So we try to restructure thefinances of golf clubs to develop clubswhich attract more business and dealwith their changing outlook.

�65 per cent of golfers who playregularly in Scotland aren�t affiliated toany club. If they play eight rounds ayear, having paid a £500 membershipfee, that works out to be pretty expen-sive rounds of golf.

�So if a club�s membership fees arein decline, we can help them look atways to manage their income andexpenditure to give very accurate budg-eting and cashflow control.�

Henderson�s team have justcompleted a successful series of semi-nars across the UK, held in conjunctionwith The English Golf Union, explain-ing some of the intricacies of golffinance.InsightPhil Coysh, national business managerfor Farming and Agricultural Finance(FAF) explained how such insightsshould be applied. �Put simply, I alwaysrecommend that clubs take a sensibleapproach to borrowing, just like anybusiness, you should have different potsdepending on your needs.

�If it�s long-term borrowing, fund itover the long term. If it�s for short-termequipment, fund it over 3-5 years. If it�sworking capital, fund it on an overdraft.

�The trouble with a lot of people,�Coysh continued, �is that they try totackle long-term funding projects intwo-to-three years, which is not a veryefficient means of borrowing money.

�It also limits the amount of cashavailable to develop other areas of thebusiness. "

If a golf club�s greatest asset is the course itself, it follows that course maintenance is ahigh priority. But with money increasingly scarce, Rob Wright explores how best to financeyour maintenance and development plans so that your course can continue to impress.


I relyING”.

rely on me,customers

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Peter Broadbent,Head GreenkeeperEffingham Golf Club,Effingham, Surrey.

on

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As one of the world’s major financial organisations, we have a major presence in the groundscare market enabling us to bring a flexible approach to funding new developments and equipment.

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�Additionally, what a lot of privatemember clubs are tempted to do is to goto their members when they need moremoney and actually ask them to eithergive or loan them some money.

�Not only does this not go down sowell with many of them, but it alsomeans that existing members are subsi-dising the price of admission for futuremembers.

�My view is that they should fundtheir long term expansion plans on along term basis. Why not go to a bankor a financier and ask them to lend youthe money? Then you can plan over thenext 15-20 years to raise subscriptionsso that both existing and futuremembers are paying.�

FAF specialise in restructuringexisting borrowing, whilst also keepingbusy funding development work.Meanwhile, ING Lease, part of theDutch multinational bank, are predomi-nantly involved in asset finance.

�Effectively, we basically undertaketwo types of business,� said Sean Jones,ING�s sales manager. �Firstly, there�sthe straightforward hire purchase agree-ment.

�The higher percentage of our busi-ness goes on this type of financebecause a lot of our customers still wantto own the equipment at the end of thearrangement.

�But an increasing percentage arelooking at an operating lease as the wayto go. The great benefit is that havingtied the equipment in for up to fiveyears normally, it�s then sent back andyou start all over again with new kit.

�There�s no equipment to have to tryand sell on and there are no worriesabout lagging behind your competitorswhen the product�s improved but you�releft with aging technology. At the sametime, you do have the option of extend-ing if you�re perfectly happy with theequipment.

�It also gives you a superb budget-ing tool, especially if it�s tied into amaintenance contract.�

But, of course, every one knows thatborrowing money to pay for equipmentis more expensive in the long term thanpaying cash, right?

�Well, it depends,� contends Jones.�You don�t actually know how expen-sive it is until you have to sell it. Itdepends on how much your mainte-nance costs have been over the life ofthe equipment, how much you can getfor it when you want to upgrade, etc. Budget �But with finance, you can also budgetto match your income, using cashflow-matched payment plans - paying higherinstallments between spring andautumn, with lower ones during thewinter. So partly what you�re paying foris piece of mind.�

Which is what all these financierslook to offer, including HumberclydeFinance, who offer to �partner� theircustomers in business by producingspecifically tailored hire purchase, leas-ing and insurance solutions.

Their own study of recent transac-tions revealed that most clubs now havea five to ten year plan for machinerymanagement and replacement, whichHumberclyde would endorse as goodpractice.

They also found that to maintain an18 hole course in good condition gener-ally requires having machinery to handwith a new capital cost of approximate-ly £300,000, spending around £50,000per year or so on replacement machines.

But a closer look at individual casesrevealed huge discrepancies betweenactual annual payments on equipmentand the average amount invested; asmuch as 50 per cent above or below£50,000 a year over a ten-year plan. FluctuationsThis meant that some, for example,were paying between £22,000 one yearunder a cash plan to buy equipment andpaying £80,000 the next, which cancause major league problems if you�rebudgeting for £50,000 and haven�t gotmoney to hand for such wild annualfluctuations.

Humberclyde�s Groundscare Financeconsultant, John Westrope, outlined theidea they took on board to help even outthe peaks and troughs in expenditure abusiness could be facing year after year,whilst pinning down expenditure moreprecisely and simplifying budgeting.

�As an exercise, we looked atputting each year�s projected purchaseson a finance plan running over tenyears. For proprietary clubs (who, in theUK can reclaim all their VAT) hirepurchase remains the favourite financeapproach to take in their case.

�For private member�s clubs (whocan only reclaim a proportion of their�output� VAT) a lease plan is oftenpreferred. This is because VAT is addedto each repayment as it falls due, thusspreading the VAT bill evenly across afive-year lease.

�In some cases, with careful plan-ning, this may also increase the amountof VAT that can be reclaimed.� BenefitsPutting this idea into practice,Humberclyde began to notice a numberof important benefits. During the firstfour years of the finance plan, clubs thathad not used finance before found thatexpenditure across this early period hadbeen significantly reduced

After these first few years, theamount of variation in expenditure yearon year was also less for the remainingsix years of the plan.

For example, between years eightand nine, the difference in expenditureon the original �purchase� plan was 58per cent compared to 15 per cent on the�finance� plan, bringing a huge benefitin budgeting and managing cashflow

Over the ten years, the averageexpenditure on leasing was slightlylower than cash purchasing.

You can even take the sameapproach to other areas of the business,such as clubhouse furniture, kitchenequipment, computer systems and lock-er room refurbishments. Humberclydesay they�d even consider taking intoaccount non-tangible asset funding suchas irrigation system improvements inthis way.

So there you have it; an easier wayto budget on capital expenditure, whichhelps you even out your cashflow andprotect your future by giving yourgolfers the best possible leisureoutcome. Because, as Golf Finance�sIan Henderson put it: �If you have a badexperience, you ain�t going back.�


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180 Ruskin Road, Kingsthorpe Northampton NN2 7TA

7-9IOG SALTEX, Windsor17-19Ryder CupOakland Hills, Michigan

20-22BTME/ClubhouseHarrogate29-1PGA Merchandise ShowOrlando, Florida

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3-5Golf Europe, Munich14-16Golf Italia, Malpensafiere

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With 90 years of experience, Toro equipment and irrigation systems to garound the world. Our commitment

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january 2004

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8-11The MastersAugusta National, Georgia

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4-7PGA Fall Expo San Diego, California12-15US PGA ChampionshipWhistling Straits, Wisconsin

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1-4Première Golf, Marbella11-13European Golf Show,Barcelona

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A Timeless Classic


In his book Golf Architecture,published in 1920, AlisterMackenzie, explained why herated the Old Course at St

Andrews so highly:�The real reason St Andrews Old

Course is infinitely superior to anythingelse is owing to the fact that it wasconstructed when no-one knewanything about the subject at all, andsince then it has been considered toosacred to be touched.�

Since the earliest days of the profes-sion, golf course architects have trav-elled to St Andrews from far and wideto study the Old Course and to copy itsstyle, strategy and features.

No other land has had so much influ-ence on the development of the gameand the attitudes of course designers.

Yet the first greens and fairways at StAndrews were formed not by men but bysheep grazing amongst the sand duneswhile bunkers were created by thesesame animals wearing out sandy hollowsas they nestled for shelter from the wind.

This land was called �links� as it wasthe area that linked the land to the seaand in The Art of Golf (1887) Sir WalterSimpson aptly described the typicallandscape upon which seaside golf wasplayed;

�The grounds are called links, beingthe barren sandy soil from which the seahas retired in recent geological times. Intheir natural state links are covered withlong, rank bent grass and gorse. Linksare too barren for cultivation: but sheep,rabbits, geese and professionals pick upa precarious livelihood on them.�

So what is the enduring fascinationwith the Old Course and why is it stillconsidered, as MacKenzie wrote, �supe-rior to anything else�?

For an answer we must look at theorigins of the golf course design profes-sion and the writings of the pioneeringgolf course architects. In 1848 AllanRobertson, who was the �Keeper of theGreen� at St Andrews, was asked tomake improvements to the Old Course.

His first task was to lengthen thecourse, reducing the number of holesfrom 22 to 18, a historic event whichwas to impact directly on the develop-ment of the game as we know it.

But Robertson also widened thedouble fairways, from 40 yards to over100 yards, and thereby created changesto the strategy of the course.

Previously play across hazards hadbeen mandatory but now golfers had achoice of options from the tee. Widerfairways offered longer but safer alter-natives, while the direct line rewardedsuccess for the more daring player.

This would lay the foundations forthe movement away from penal golfcourse design to a strategic style. Thechange would not be universal orindeed swift.

It would take another 60 years beforestrategic design would finally be accept-ed as the favoured style amongst thefirst professional golf course architects.

Before 1900, many of the first golfcourse designers, men like AllanRobertson, Willie Dunn and Tom Morrisall came from St Andrews, or from anarea close enough to be influenced by it.

They all had great respect for the exist-ing topography of a site, and would oftenlay out a golf course in as little as a day,simply marking out natural green and teelocations and using existing landscapefeatures as hazards. Seldom was anyearth movement required or demanded.

Despite their origins many of thecourses laid out by these men weredisappointing, particularly as golf beganto move inland from its coastal begin-nings and the sites became less ideal.

It was when golf reached the sandyheathlands of Surrey and Berkshire, atthe turn of the 19th Century, that thefirst true golf course architects began tomanufacture the terrain they were givenin order to build golf courses that werestrategically and aesthetically pleasing.

Blind shots began to be eliminatedfrom the designers� repertoire. Bunkerswere no longer hidden and wereconstructed so that they were partiallyvisible from playing areas.

Clearly the design of these features isfar removed from that found at StAndrews where so many hazards liehidden, waiting to gather stray shots.

But despite this fundamental changein thinking those who designed theseheathland courses, like Willie Park Jnr,Harry Colt and Herbert Fowler, allemphasised the influence that the OldCourse had on their design philosophies.

And its influence lay not in the shapeor visibility of its hazards but in theirlocation and the strategy required toavoid them as well as the variety of shotmaking which the naturally undulatingcontours of the ground promoted.

The Old Course has just been voted the best course in Scotland by an American golfmagazine, and understandably so according to EIGCA member Ross McMurray, whopays tribute to the timeless charm that is the Old Course.

THE OLD COURSE


It was only after 1900 that this newbreed of golf course architect began tomove towards a strategic style ofdesign, emboldened by their studies ofthe Old Course.

Harry Colt first visited St Andrews in1887 and later wrote that the pleasure ofplaying the Old Course �is not gainedby successfully carrying gigantichazards, but in avoiding comparativelysmall ones, and the difficulties consistnot only of sand bunkers, but also ofundulations, small plateaux and slightlyswinging ground.�

He noticed how the contours of theground affected approaches into thegreen and also how important it was toselect the correct type of shot, and playit properly, to attain the best result.

Although he felt that �wild driving�may not have been sufficientlypunished, Colt recognised that on theOld Course �...there is always an advan-tage to placing the tee shot in a desiredarea, so as to minimise the difficultiesof the next stroke.�

Perhaps the stoutest upholder of theenduring greatness of the Old Coursewas Alister MacKenzie. Mackenzie wasan associate of Harry Colt and probablythe most influential golf course archi-tect of the pre-1939 era.

Many of today�s greatest golf courseslike Royal Melbourne, Cypress Pointand Augusta National are the results ofhis work.

MacKenzie studied the Old Coursereligiously and rated the 11th, 14th,16th and 17th as holes without equalanywhere in the world. What he espe-cially liked about the Old Course wasthe way that it could provide a stern testfor the best golfers but was stillplayable for those with lesser ability.

He opined that there were alwaysroutes available to players of differentskill levels and he often illustratedthree, four or even five ways to playdifferent holes. He was forthright in hisopinion that these sorts of strategic golfholes could be recreated on any newcourse.

The concept of strategic design is toreward the golfer who succeeds intaking the greatest risks, penalise him ifhe fails, but offer alternative routes forthe less accomplished player. Thismakes golf a game not just of skill, butimportantly, of judgement.

It also creates variety and interestwhich are fundamental to the enjoymentof the game. Ideally each golf holecould be played in different waysdepending on the ability of the player,location of the tee, pin position, windconditions and so on.

As MacKenzie once wrote: �Thereshould be at least one, if not more,broad roads that lead to destruction anda narrow and hazardous road that leadsto salvation.�

The aim of the architect is to designeach hole in such a way as to make thegolfer think every time he stands on atee �how should I play this hole, whatare my alternatives?�

Perhaps the pioneer of strategic golfcourse design was Tom Simpson, a bril-liant if eccentric golf course architectwho became a partner of HerbertFowler. Simpson believed that everygolf hole should present a definite prob-lem and courses should provide ��asmuch opportunity for mental agility asfor physical effort.�

He felt that the really great golf holespossessed �...the (same) qualities onefinds in the man who �lives by his wits,�who �sails near the wind� in the conductof his business.�

He listed the 16th and 17th on the OldCourse as two of the �mad masterpiecesthat live in the memory and make thegame of golf worth while.�

Interestingly he also felt that, whendesigning a hole, the architect �...must,so far as is possible, disguise hispurpose. Suggestio falsi is neverpermissible, but suppressio veri all theworld recognises as justifiable.

�Any feature that acts as a lighthouseto define a channel or one that lendsassistance in judging distance, is defi-nitely to be deplored.� One wonderswhat Simpson would have made of theyardage books and distance markers weall rely on today!

Simpson also had strong views on thesubject of bunkering, He thought thatfor a fairway bunker to be well placed ithad to fulfil two objectives.

Firstly it had to govern the play of thehole, and secondly it should catch thescratch golfer�s good shot which wasnot quite good enough. As he wrote �Itis a popular delusion to suppose that thefunction of a fairway bunker is to catcha bad shot. It is nothing of the kind.�

Along with MacKenzie the otherdominant designer of this time wasDonald Ross who, like Mackenzie, washeavily influenced by his knowledge ofSt Andrews and particularly his homeclub at Dornoch.

Ross designed hundreds of golfcourses, including Pinehurst No. 2 andwas also a dedicated exponent of strate-gic golf course design.

Writing on the subject Ross outlinedhis design philosophy; �My aim is tobring out of the player the best golf inhim. It will be difficult to negotiatesome holes, but that is what golf is for.It is a mental test and an eye test. Thehazards and bunkers are placed so as toforce a man to use judgement and toexercise mental control in making thecorrect shot.�

It is reasonable to assume that Ross�sdesign principals and ideals for golfholes would surely have been devel-oped during the years he spent workingas a greenkeeper at both St Andrewsand Carnoustie.

His thoughts echoed those ofMacKenzie when he stated that hisobjective when designing was �...to layout an alternative route on practicallyevery hole.

�That is on a two shot hole (par 4) thescratch player� has one way of gettinghome in two shots - he must place hisdrive accurately to do so - and the highhandicapper or short hitter has anotherroute to reach the green in three.�

None of these famous architects everfelt they could stop learning from theOld Course. Many of them wouldcertainly have echoed the words ofBobby Jones, who stated that �The moreI studied the Old Course the more Iloved it: and the more I loved it themore I studied it.�

The importance of the Old Course togolf course architecture today shouldnever be underestimated or taken forgranted. Styles may come and go butthe basics of good golf course designstill depend on a strong strategicapproach and St Andrews has exempli-fied that for the last 100 years.

Hopefully the continuing technologi-cal improvements in golf equipment,with balls and clubs becoming increas-ingly longer and straighter, do not rele-gate this great course to the role of anirrelevant museum piece.

�MY AIM IS TO BRING OUT OF THE PLAYER THE BEST GOLF IN HIM. IT WILL BE DIFFICULT TO

NEGOTIATE SOME HOLES, BUT THAT IS WHAT GOLF IS FOR. IT IS A MENTAL TEST AND AN EYE TEST.

THE HAZARDS AND BUNKERS ARE PLACED SO AS TO FORCE A MAN TO USE JUDGEMENT AND TO

EXERCISE MENTAL CONTROL IN MAKING THE CORRECT SHOT.�

The New Frontier


Europe�s first Golf Investment and Real Estate Conference and Exhibition has been hailedas a great success by show organisers INV International. David Bowers reports on thetwo-day event, which was held in Athens in November.

Organisers of last monthsEuropean Golf Investmentand Real Estate Confer-ence and Exhibition, which

was held in the Athenaeum InterContinental, Athens, have hailed it as ahuge success.

The event, which was co-sponsoredby Golf Management Europe, wasorganised by INV International Ltd., aninternational event organiser andprovider of investor intelligence, andheld in partnership with the USCommercial Service, under the auspicesof the Association of Greek TouristEnterprises.

One of the goals of the conferencewas for participants to discuss forth-coming projects, develop new business,make new deals and even sign newcontracts in mature markets such asWestern and Northern Europe and theWest Mediterranean.

And delegates signed up in theirdroves as organisers put up the �sold out�signs well in advance of the opening day.

They were able to explore new markettrends and recognise emerging opportu-nities in the dynamic European region.Delegates also had the opportunity toexchange ideas and views on the futureof the golf, resort, hospitality, leisure.

Organiser Peter M. Heilmann said:�The conference and exhibition was agreat success. We had a satisfyingnumber of top executives, high-rankingbusiness representatives, internationalinvestors, leisure industry leaders and

leading hospitality decision-makersfrom throughout the European Unionattending.

�And we also welcomed executivesfrom the virtually untapped surroundingmarkets of Central and Eastern Europeand the East Mediterranean - Greece,Cyprus and Turkey. Speakers andparticipants also flew in from the USA,Australia, South Africa, China and theUnited Arab Emirates.�

Speakers included Dr Aris Ikkos, thegeneral manager of JBR Hellas Ltd,who spoke about the �Critical SuccessFactors for the Development of Golf inGreece�, and Lawrence Thornton,general secretary of The PGA of Europeon �The Role of the Professional in theDevelopment of Golf�.

Dr Falk Billion, managing director ofthe German Golf Course OwnersAssociation spoke about �Golf industryset to �tee up� in Central and EasternEurope�, whilst Peter Harradine, presi-dent of the European Institute of GolfCourse Architects; and Brian Costello,principal and owner of JMP GolfDesign Group Inc, California, alsoaddressed the audience.

The INVgolf Industry IntelligenceReport was launched at the exhibitionand addresses crucial questions andissues such as how should golf befurther developed in Europe until 2010?

How should residential tourismincluding golf be developed throughoutEurope in a sustainable and profitableway until 2010?

Where should golf in Europe ideallybe in 2010? Golf: The Year 2010 - Aseven-year plan and vision.

The conference also introduced someawards, which are likely to be covetedby many in future years. The INVgolfAward for best new integrated leisureresort in Europe for 2003 was given tothe Aphrodite Hills Resort, Cyprus(pictured above), which was opened in2002.Aphrodite HillsHeilmann said: �Aphrodite Hills is anestate set in natural Mediterraneansurroundings overlooking the legendarybirthplace of the goddess Aphrodite.

�It has been designed to be a compre-hensive and integrated golf and leisureresort that combines the advantages andprivileges of living in Cyprus.

�The resort serves as a prime exampleof how Cyprus can upgrade its tourismproduct, offer high-quality hospitalityservices to foreign and Cypriot citizensand make a positive contribution to theCypriot economy.�

The award was by Photis Photiou,chairman of the Cyprus TourismOrganisation, to Angelos Markides,CEO of Lanitis Development Ltd, whoaccepted the award on behalf of theowners of the Aphrodite Hills Resort.

The award for best golf course archi-tect in Europe 2003 went to EuropeanGolf Design, the joint venture designcompany of IMG and the EuropeanTour.


BAGCC

Hedge End Golf Centre (under construction)Astley Hall Golf and Leisure First 9 holes of 27 holesSilvermore Golf and Leisure Redesign and renovate rangeDownshire Golf Complex Redesign and renovate rangeDowns Meadow Golf Course Reconstruct Tees

‘The Established name in Golf Course Construction’

Artington Golf Limited28 Pump Lane, Waterlooville

Hampshire PO8 9TSTelephone 023 9259 2390

Facsimile 023 9257 0218www.artington-golf.co.uk

The company is currently working onprojects in many diverse locationsaround the world, from the Caribbean toRussia and from Finland to SouthAfrica and has an equally wide clientbase - from major hotel groups such asWhitbread Hotels, to developmentgroups like the Benetton Family and theMyramar Group in Spain.

Architect Russell Talley (above right)accepted the award on behalf of hiscompany. DramaticOther notable speakers included DrAndrea Sartori, head of travel, leisureand tourism Group CEE of Hungarywho said: �Golf has seen a dramaticdevelopment in the last two decadesworldwide.

�Although still regarded as a sport forthe elite, it is becoming more and morepopular in Central and Eastern Europetoo. As the economic landscape of CEEcontinues to develop and householdshave more discretionary income forleisure activities, the number of golfersis expected to increase.

�This will also occur through televi-sion coverage and a greater prolifera-tion of courses.�

Peter Harradine, president of theEuropean Institute of Golf CourseArchitects said: �It is just over 100years since Willie Park, Jnr. revealedhis design for the first golf course atSunningdale, near London. Profession�Today it is accepted this event repre-sented the beginning of golf coursearchitecture as a recognised profession.The industry may have come a longway since Willie Park wrote thosewords but they still remain as true asever today.�

Brian Weaver, president, DeWittWeaver Golf Solutions, USA, summedup the conference by saying: �There is atremendous opportunity to introduce thegame of golf through tourism and realestate development.

�By recognising this opportunity, theattendees of the 2003 European GolfInvestment and Real Estate Conferenceand Exhibition are taking the first stepsin the right direction.

�A united strategy to include golf inreal estate, leisure, and resort develop-ment is exactly what is needed to ensuresmart tourism growth in the EuropeanUnion and other international markets.�

Golf Course Constructionand Driving Range Specialists

Staying Open


When Open Golf CentresLtd went into liquidationover a year ago, the Bankof Scotland stepped in

thus ensuring golf was not lost at IfordBridge on the outskirts of Christchurchand Bournemouth.

The original nine holes were coun-cil-owned and after negotiations theysold out to Open Golf who expandedthe site to 27 easy-walking holes in anattractive wetland region bordering theNew Forest.

Designed by David Pottage, andconstructed by Artington Golf, OpenGolf commissioned the largest practicerange in the UK covering 15 acres andoccupying two tiers for the 60 bays andthe first in the world with 18 propertarget greens. AmbitiousThis ambitious project, that also madeprovision for conference facilities, didnot however, automatically guaranteecommercial success.

An impressive clubhouse wasdesigned by Charles Mador with theintention of competing for corporateand social events, yet the path to admin-istration proved slippery and when theBank of Scotland looked for a buyerthey took the prudent step in October ofinviting Barrelfield Golf to come in asmanagers.

The arrangement has givenBarrelfield yet another opportunity todisplay their skills. Melvin Thomas,managing director of the Surbiton-basedcompany, says: �The bank is committedto making the facility good.

�We are not just doing a fire fightingoperation, it is with a view to puttingIford Bridge where it should be.�

Yet rescue acts, or acting as golfcourse minders, is in fact part ofBarrelfield�s stock in trade. Since forma-tion in 1990 the company has establisheda sound reputation as a one-stop golfdevelopment organisation encompassinga network of member clubs.

By finding new sites for develop-ment, managing construction on newand existing courses, putting manage-ment teams in place and helping cours-es maximise their potential withmarketing support and group-buyingbenefits, Barrelfield have created asuccessful operation now serving a hostof courses across England.

They are particularly good at pick-ing up lame ducks.

Now Barrelfield is looking toEurope and Thomas has recently beenon a field trip to Portugal and Spain.But home is where the heart is andBarrelfield�s good name stands firm onbreathing new life into projects such asIford Bridge.

There are also management briefslike Caversham Heath near Readingtaken on in 2000 and Orchardleigh atFrome, Somerset which is managed forFirst National. Another UK manage-ment contract is expected to be signedin January.

It is no wonder that Thomas candeclare with confidence: �We are theonly company in Europe that can offerthe range of management services thatwe do.

�We have developed some 13 facili-ties and the jewel in the crown isQueenwood in Surrey.� It was there thatBarrelfield embarked on their first self-build project

The development team behindQueenwood consisted of Fred Green,the name behind two of America�s mostwidely acclaimed members-only clubs,Eagle Springs and Nantucket, and theScottish course designer David Kidd.

It so happened that Green was look-ing for a site near London and unable tofind one, an estate agent referred him toBarrelfield.

Iford Bridge is not at this lofty endof the market but Barrelfield are sparingno effort to make it tick. �The bankhave said they are prepared to spendmoney and our policy here is to carryout a wide range of improvements.

�One of the most important isdrainage. Then we are paying greatattention to refurbishments in allaspects and in time for the 2004 golfseason,� said Thomas.Share�In our business we look at what wecan touch and see. It is about winningpeople away from other facilities or, toput it another way, looking to winningmarket share. We look to the profit andloss account rather than the balancesheet.�

At 46, Thomas has been in the golfindustry 13 years, the time Barrelfieldfirst started with him in the hot seat anda founder shareholder. His previousexperience in commercial finance andbanking has stood him in good stead.

When Open Golf went into liquidation last year, their state-of-the-art golf centre atChristchurch in Dorest was placed under threat. Owners the Bank of Scotland, haveturned to Barrelfield in an effort to revive the clubs fortunes, as John Vinicombe reports.

CLUB INSIGHT


Fact FileClub: Iford Bridge Golf Club

Riverside Avenue, BournemouthDorset BH7 7ESEngland

Telephone: 01202 436436Facsimile: 01202 436400Email: [email protected]: www.opengolfcentres.co.uk

General Manager: Andrew AndersonPro: Lawrence Moxon

Course Info: 27-holesLakes Course: Par 71, 6200 yards (Opened 2001)Short Course: Par 27, 1000 yards (Opened 2001)

Members: 250Green Fee: £8 - £17.50

The Christchurch Golf Club, with250 members, use Iford Bridge.Barrelfield�s policy is to play host to asmany customers as possible with aparticular emphasis on seasonal busi-ness which only makes good sense forsuch a popular holiday destination asBournemouth.

Local youngsters are being encour-aged to play golf, and relationships withthe Royal Bournemouth hospital andnearby schools are making the golfcentre play a greater part in the localcommunity.

Iford Bridge is not one of the 25clubs in the Barrelfield network, that isto say, those clubs with reciprocal play-ing rights as it is not a members� club. People�The golf industry needs places likethese to bring people into the game,�says Thomas. �They can gain an intro-duction to golf until going on to a morechallenging place should they chose.

�Nobody could ask for a better driv-ing range. It really is the last word.�So just what does the floodlit practicefacility and course have to offer?

For a start there is a triple aspectdesign on the range with three actualfairways with six greens on each. Thismeans you can play a virtual 18 holesfrom three practice bays.

These, by the way, are heated andcarpeted, some featuring an automaticball tee up system. Good quality ballsare used, no cheap low compressionshere.

The contoured practice puttinggreens are among the largest in thecountry and all built to USGA standards

A practice zone card is £25 whichentitles the user to 10 per cent free ballsif pre-loading £25 worth of balls; andan ascending scale of 15 per cent for£50 worth of balls rising to 20 per centfor £100 worth.

All memberships have a wide reach-ing range of discounts. Club member-ship only is £50; five-day and half pricegolf works out at £195; membershipand five-day golf £445; president�s clubmembership and seven-day golf £650.

This latter category covers unlimitedfree golf at all times with four guestgreen fees a year and 20 per cent offbuggy hire, 10 per cent reduction inshop prices, lessons and bar and restau-rant purchases.

A big plus is junior membership at£25 and they can have seven-day golffor £125. The region is affluent andalready well provided with qualitycourses but the members� clubs aredifficult to get into.

Iford Bridge, under Barrelfield�swing aims to secure a place in the peck-ing order. This is not far-fetched. Theswans look perfectly at ease on the fair-ways.

There seems to be no reason why, infuture, they may have to give way to theincreasing thud of golf balls as moregolfers find what they want in this facil-ity designed with the 21st century inmind.

�THE BANK IS COMMITTED TO MAKING THE FACILITY GOOD.

WE ARE NOT JUST DOING A FIRE FIGHTING OPERATION, IT IS WITH A

VIEW TO PUTTING IFORD BRIDGE WHERE IT SHOULD BE.�

It’s Showtime


Rumour and counter rumourhave surrounded BTME inrecent weeks, with reportssuggesting that some of the

industries biggest players are consider-ing pulling out of the 2005 event.

GME understands that some of thelarger exhibitors are planning to exhibitat BTME and SALTEX on alternateyears, although as we go to press thereremains some confusion as to thecurrent state of affairs.

BIGGA�s communication managerScott MacCallum said: �We�re workinghard to ensure BTME 2004 is assuccessful as we can make it. We wantto make sure exhibitors and visitors willreturn for subsequent shows.

�BTME 2004 is full - 2005 hasn�tstarted booking yet, so we�re not undulyconcerned. We�re confident we put on agood show.

�Exhibitors will always make deci-sions for their own commercial reasons.And when in the past small exhibitorshaven�t come along there�s alwayssomebody who takes their place.�

One thing we are certain of howev-er, is that BTME 2004 will take place at

Harrogate from January 20 to 22. Andwhether or not the big names return forthe next one, most, if not all, havesigned up for the 2004 event.

This year, much attention will surelybe focused on the Ransomes Jacobsen�sstand (A23), where the Ipswich-basedcompany will be showing off itsMagKnife system, the revolutionarynew system for attaching the bottomblade to a greens or fairway cylindermower.

Also a source of interest will be theemphasis on alternative power for golfcourse machinery.AlternativeKey products on the stand - and usingalternative power - will include theJacobsen E-Walk all-electric, walk-behind greens mower and the JacobsenE-Plex II electric triplex greens mower .

Also on display will be the newelectric version of the flexihead walk-behind Jacobsen Tournament Cut.

Other new products on display willinclude the 4 x 4 petrol EZGO turf utili-ty vehicle; a new range of JacobsenBunker rakes and the Iseki THG 33, aperformance-enhancing compact tractor.

One company celebrating as well asexhibiting is Barenbrug. The Suffolk-based company is celebrating its cente-nary in 2004 - quite an achievement inthe ever-changing, competitive world ofspecialist seed breeding.

To mark the milestone the companyis running a special centenary competi-tion with daily prizes on stand A20. Inaddition to the unveiling of its 2004catalogue, Barenbrug is also launchingan as-yet unnamed mixture.

The new product contains 75 percent Barkoel crested hair grass and 25per cent Barcrown slender creeping redfescue, which both fared well in the2002 STRI golf buggy wear trials.

Mox UK, specialists in operatingleases, sometimes known as contracthire, will be offering a competitive,trouble free way to acquire golf carsand turf maintenance machinery fromstand M14.

With competitive finance rates,supply agreements with all major manu-facturers and after sales servicethroughout the life of the machinery,Mox can help all types of golf courseswith their machinery requirements. "

It�s time once again to make our annual pilgrimage to Harrogate for the BTME andClubhouse exhibition. Despite question marks over the exhibitor list for the 2005 event,David Bowers takes a look at what will be on offer at the 2004 event.

�WE�RE WORKING HARD TO ENSURE BTME 2004 IS AS SUCCESSFUL AS WE CAN MAKE IT.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE EXHIBITORS AND VISITORS WILL RETURN FOR SUBSEQUENT SHOWS.�


TURF GROWERS AND INNOVATORS OF TURFGRASS SYSTEMS

Everything Inturf

INTURF The Chestnuts, Wilberfoss, York YO4 5NTTelephone 01759 321000 � Facsimile: 01759 380130E-mail: [email protected] � Web page: www.inturf.co.uk


Being shown on the stand will be asmall selection of the range of equip-ment available, including the Golf Plussystem which is marketed exclusivelyby Mox.AlternativeThe GPS system is the first in a rangeof technology products from the HighWycombe based company, offeringclubs a simple and effective alternativeto existing costly and high maintenanceGPS systems currently available.

GolfPlus provides golfers with aconsistently accurate distance measure-ment from their ball to hazards and thegreen centre. Consisting only of an easyto use monitor mounted on the golf car,the system displays information on acolour layout of the hole with continu-ally updated yardage.

The latest product to be launched byGolf Plus is �Remote Plus�, a golfbuggy fleet controller, which allowsyou to activate or de-activate your golfbuggies remotely - removing the needfor keys.

A small receiving unit is securelyfitted to each buggy under the seat, whichcommunicates with the hand held remotecontrol unit. The system can operateeither the whole fleet or individualbuggies, and receives an active responsefrom the cart that the remote message hasbeen received and activated.

Lindum Seeded Turf is showing thecream of its crop on stand B5. In thewords of a company spokesman: �...anaward winner; a runner-up; an inde-pendently analysed greens turf and thesward now gracing the MillenniumStadium.�LokturfThese include Lokturf - the first rein-forced turf incorporating crimped fibresand runner-up in the SALTEX best newproduct of the year award.

Ryegreen - the first fine ryegrassturf for golf courses and last year�saward winner; and LT1 - a 70 per centbent, 30 per cent fescue mixture - thecompany�s finest greens turf.

The LT6 football mixture will be onshow in both its conventional form andthe �thick� instantly playable version,currently topping Cardiff�s MillenniumStadium pitch.

Johnson�s Sport and Amenity isthrowing out a challenge from its stand:Can you find a better greens mix? Thecompany has some of the �most experi-enced and respected advisors� availableon stand A16 to provide technicaladvice about the mixtures available.

A spokesman for the companyexplained: �Individual components aresourced from the world�s most respect-ed breeders where years of research andtesting have yielded the best materialfor the discerning course manager.�

Greenkeepers concerned about thesemi-drought experienced in 2003 cantake particular interest in the new high-phosphate formulation of HeadlandAmenity�s slow-release fertiliser Xtend.DeprivedHeadland�s Andy Russell explained:�Last summer�s prolonged high temper-atures followed by an unusually drySeptember and October has meantdamaged turf has been deprived of anautumn recovery.

�As a result, turf managers facemore renovation this spring - as theyover-seed bare patches present duringthe winter - than for many years.�

The new Xtend 15+20+10 withadded magnesium - available to see onstand C26 - is recommended for use ongolf tees, approaches, surrounds andfairways as an important aid to earlyspring seed germination.

Vitax launches a new range oforgano-mineral fertilisers at the showon stand A8. Marathon is designed totake the middle ground between mini-granular mineral-based products andhigh-tech, controlled-release granules.

Amenity sales manager for VitaxClive Williams explained: �Marathon isdesigned to stimulate microbial activity,giving good colour and encouragingrooting to withstand drought andstress.�

A new version of the CharterhouseOverseeder will be on display on standB33 where Charterhouse TurfMachinery will have its complete rangeof turfcare equipment on show.

The Overseeder is designed for fast,effective seeding on fairways, with seeddrills more closely spaced than normalat 3ins (75mm) for better coverage.

The versatile Rondo utility machine,with its new cab design and flail mowerattachment, is also likely to prove apopular attraction.

Also highlighted on the stand willbe the Rink range of top dressers,encompassing tractor-driven units andspecial versions tailored to fit popularwork vehicles by major manufacturerssuch as John Deere, Toro, Jacobsen andCushman.

John Deere itself debuts a new prod-uct on stand M9/M10 - the new 3245Cfour-wheel drive mower. It is a newventure for Deere as it is the company�sfirst five-deck rotary machine for semi-rough amenity grass.

Visitors to the stand can also get thefirst glimpse at the new 1905 five-gangcylinder mower, which has a totalcutting width of 136ins (345cm) atworking speeds of up to 8mph.

Lastec, on stand C40, is taking thewraps off its own new mower atHarrogate - a fully-articulating, three-deck, ride-on rotary mower, incorporat-ing the latest developments in thepatented Articulator technology. This isthe first time the machine has beenshown outside of the USA.

Lloyds & Co Letchworth Ltd will beunveiling new additions to its range oftractors and ride-on mowers.

The company claims the new rangeof Summerpark and Multipark tractors,with cylinder, rotary and flail mowers,provides golf clubs with �a more versa-tile machine than was currently avail-able�.

The award-winning Paladin Dualturf mower, also being displayed byLloyds, has been hailed by many green-keepers as one of the best machinesavailable for fine turf. It has been devel-oped to give precision adjustment forthe perfect cut.

A comprehensive range of commer-cial turf care machinery, suitable forboth golf and municipal applications,will be on display at Hayter�s stand(C41).

Designed for high output and easymaintenance, many of the productsshown will be of particular interest tothose responsible for the maintenanceof fine turf. "


ELY

E Y

Est 19

61

J & E. ELJ & E. ELYY LLTDTDInternational Golf Course Construction

‘Celebrating over 40 Years of Excellence’

49 Woodlands Road, Sonning Common, Reading UK RG4 9TD

Tel /Fax: +44 (0)118 972 2257E-mail: [email protected]

www.elygolfconstruction.com

BAGCC

Bratch Lane � Dinton � Salisbury � Wiltshire SP3 5EBTel: 01722 716361 � Fax: 01722 716828

Web site: www.mjabbott.co.uk

Golf course construction and renovation

Supply and installation of irrigation systems

Design and installation of land drainage schemes

Sports ground construction and maintenance

Design and installation of water supply and

distribution systems

JOHN GREASLEY LIMITEDAshfield House ! 1154 Melton RoadSyston ! Leicester ! LE7 2HB

Telephone: 0116 269 6766Fax: 0116 269 6866Email: [email protected]


From ride on fairway mowers topedestrian rotaries for the maintenanceof the smallest areas, Hayter have amachine for all areas of the course.

Terrain Aeration will be launchingthe Airforce G - the company�s latesthydraulic Terralift machine, specificallydesigned for deep, compressed air de-compaction treatment of golf courses.

Terrain�s managing director, DavidGreen, who designed and built the newmachine, says that at two feet shorterand approx 300g lighter, Airforce G ismore compact and has greater manoeu-vrability than its predecessor Airforce.

There is an opportunity to view the�Swingcam� video analysis system onOn Course�s stand, Q116.

The company has recently relocatedto new purpose-built premises in orderto further expand its product base, andthe �Swingcam� - which brought inorders from across Europe after its

showing at the Spanish golf show atMalaga - is just one of an increasingproduct portfolio.TurnkeyThe Grove has already been hailed asone of the best courses in the world andthe company responsible for the fullturnkey project at the club - from liftingthe first sod, carrying out earth moving,land drainage, replacement of top soiland seeding on greens, fairways andtees - is also exhibiting at BTME.

Experts from MJ Abbott willbe on stand C7 to offer advice andassistance to golf clubs onany size of project. Ofparticular interest tomany will be thedrainage and irriga-tion at The Grove.

MJ Abbott staffwill be able to showhow the design/build

contract involved a system of smooth-bore, twin-walled main pipes and thefitting of 1,000 heads and a RainBirdcentral control weather station.

Visitors to the exhibition will beable to access the internet free of chargeat the BIGGA internet café, supportedby Pitchcare, in hall B.

There will be eight machines avail-able and Pitchcare�s staff will be on hand

to provide guidance andtechnical support overthe three days.

In addition, users atthe internet caféhave the opportu-nity to enter anonline prizedraw to win afabulous digitalcamera.

So make sureyou drop by.


Firm Focus

COMPANY PROFILE

GolfPlus, a developer ofinnovative technology forgolf courses, is now firm-ly established throughout

the UK and European golf industry asthe leading provider of global position-ing system technology.

The anticipated growth and accept-ance of GPS systems appears to beinevitable with the realisation that GPShelps golfers play smarter, faster andhave more fun.

The GolfPlus RangerPlus GPSsystem provides golfers with betterinformation, allowing more informeddecisions on club selection, improvingtheir scores without making majorchanges in their swing. Interest inGolfPlus has come from clubs with asfew as six buggies in the UK, to fleetsof over 150 in the USA and Asia.

Golf Plus�s commercial manager,Claire Coombe said: �We have experi-enced huge growth this year, simplicityand reliability has been the key to oursuccess. The RangerPlus unit iscompletely self contained, with noother hardware or peripherals required.

�The phenomenal success of ourGPS RangerPlus system has enabled usto release new products such as ourRemotePlus fleet control managementsystem which is already generatinghuge interest from individual clubs andbuggy manufacturers alike.�

The RangerPlus buggy systemconsists of ergonomically designed,high-resolution colour display monitorswhich are unobtrusively mounted at thefront of the golf cart. As the buggyapproaches each tee, the relevant infor-mation is automatically displayed onthe monitor; hole, length, par, SI andadvertising opportunities.

After teeing-off, GolfPlus providesan image of the hole being played,together with the distance from yourbuggy to the green. Playing tips andpositional messages help the playerfurther and enhance the enjoyment ofthe game.

Clubs and courses also benefitfinancially from the rental revenue perunit, sales of advertising pages, andfrom return visits by satisfied players.

Furthermore, as the units provideinstant distance information to assistclub selection, the pace of play isconsiderably quicker allowing addition-al tee times to be booked increasingcourse utilisation.

The Marriott Forest of Arden havehad 40 GolfPlus GPS units installed ontheir buggies since March. StephenFollett, director of golf has been verypleased with the results: �We have hadan 18 per cent increase in buggy usage,which for the first season with GolfPlusis fantastic. Increase�Other Marriott courses are seeing thisincrease and now following our lead,most of our group will have GolfPlusinstalled by the beginning of the 2004season.�

West Malling in Kent have provedthat GPS can work within a membersclub. Kevin Still, general manager said�We increased our fleet from ninepetrol to 20 buggies in 2003. GolfPlushas surpassed all expectations thisseason making our buggy fleet a realbusiness this year, not just a service.�

Magnolia Park are now consideringinstalling cart paths to make use of theGPS all year round and further increasebuggy fleet profits. Head professionalJeremy Dale said: �We�ve never had somuch demand for buggies as wehave this year, and have increasedour fleet from six to 12.

�Demand has been from ourmembers as well as guests.GolfPlus is innovative and fun,and really adds something toyour round.�

GolfPlus will be exhibiting atBTME in January alongside MoxUK and can also be seen at the PGAMerchandise Show in Orlando later thesame month.

GolfPlus have partnered withHydroturf, Dubai�s Club Car distributorand have recently installed 100 buggiesat the new Desert course at �ArabianRanches� in Dubai.

GolfPlus will also be installing atTower Links Golf Course in February,the course recently visited by PrinceAndrew.

GolfPlus establishes alink with Europe’s elite

GolfPlus

T: 01494 795111F: 01494 795199W: www.e-golfplus.comE: [email protected]

Fresh Thinking

OPINION


Having joined Hayter in thesummer of 2002, I appreci-ate that I am a relativenewcomer to the industry,

having spent the majority of my careerwithin the engineering field.

However, I have come into theindustry with no pre-conceived ideasand a fresh perspective; which I�ll tryhard to transmit in this article.

So what kind of company have Ijoined? With over 200 hard working,committed and professional employees- many with more than 30 years of serv-ice - Hayter manufacture products thatare top-of-the-range in both consumerand commercial markets, bullet-proof inboth reliability and durability.

In addition, I believe that our salesand service organisations are the envy ofthe industry, and I am proud of the factthat the company is profitable too, whichwe�re not shy to admit since strong andprofitable companies are best able tocontinuously serve their customers withthe best products over the long haul. OverallsImmediately on joining I put on over-alls and went to work in every area ofproduction and quality to understandthe products, the processes and, impor-tantly, the people. I then spent timewith the most important people for anycompany, its customers.

I quickly appreciated that this indus-try, both in the consumer and commer-cial sectors is, although fiercelycompetitive, one where companies have

a great deal of respect for other compa-nies products and the way they operate.Inevitably business will get tougher, butI do sincerely hope that the respectremains. MyriadI also quickly noticed how manycompanies there are vying for business.There are the big players in both sectorsbut there are also a myriad of othersmaller companies, working very hardand supplying quality products.

Some of these companies couldbecome the major players of tomorrowand I am conscious that we at Hayter,must strive to become better at every-thing we do to ensure we not onlymaintain but also improve the positionwe currently have.

So exactly where are we now? Well,we are, in my opinion, already marketleaders in the quality pedestrian rotarymarket, and within the municipal sector,we already have a very strong presence.

These are both quite mature sectorswhere Hayter holds high market sharehowever it is in the golf market wherewe need to, and can, make inroads. Ifirmly believe that Hayter has enormouspotential in this market and we intend todevelop this particular area over thecoming months, so watch this space!

So far, in my experience, I haveseen some unusual practices within thegolf market that I don�t understand. Forinstance, why do so many golf clubsbuy a �package� of products from oneparticular manufacturer?

The obvious answer I suppose is toget a very competitive price and acommitment of after sales service. Isuppose it could also be argued that ifthere is a fleet of one particular manu-facturer�s products, then the staff willbe more conversant with operation andmaintenance.

Those that use that argument do adisservice to the modern greenkeeperwho understands machinery almost asmuch as they do golf course mainte-nance. Perhaps there are specific caseswhere package deals make sense but Ihave yet to be convinced.

To my mind there is a fundamentalflaw in the practice of buying all prod-ucts from one supplier. Companies witha very wide range of products willconstantly be striving to keep thoseproducts up to date, and inevitably,within their range there will be somethat are of the very latest design, butalso, some which are tired and in needof replacement.

It follows then that when buying arange of products from one supplier,some of those products won�t be thebest currently available. Would it notmake sense to pick and choose the bestproduct for the particular applicationfrom all the manufacturers able tosupply the product to do the job?

Would you insist on buying all yourhome electrical goods from Sony if youwere convinced that JVC made the besthi-fi, or Philips the best flat screenTV�s?

Relatively new to the industry, managing director of Hayter, Derek Boulton, offers someinteresting and alternative ideas on how the industry can evolve over the years ahead, andhighlights golf as a key area for his companies development.


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I will accept that buying products inthis way could mean sacrificing somediscount on the purchase, which bringsme on to another concern of mine,which is about pricing. DiscountFar too much discount is given in thisindustry and purchases are often basedpurely on the best price. The only wayto look at machinery costs is to take along term view and decide whichmachine does the job and is the leastexpensive to operate and maintain.

For two years now we have beenmonitoring operating costs on a numberof different machines both from Hayterand other manufacturers. We can arguethe point that buying on price may verywell be the most expensive option in thelong term.

Some of you reading my views mayargue that I am trying to make a casefor retaining more margins, which Imake no apologies for.

Our attitude on pricing is quitesimple; we will always be competitivebut will not give the product away.What we strive to give is the highestvalue for the price.

Whether it is a dealer in the UK or adistributor in our growing export busi-ness, they provide the all importantafter sales service, so essential in ourbusiness. We regard these independentcompanies as an extension of our own,who share the same aims and ambitions.

They are the companies whose staffare on call at short notice to help thecustomer provide the demonstration andback-up machines, and in addition carryout the numerous jobs that the customerexpects to be undertaken. There is natu-rally a cost to this service and unless itis met the inevitable will happen.

Although our own sales staffincreasingly sets pricing directly withthe end-customer, the supply of all ofour products are still through a dealer.

Our staff will always consider theneeds of the dealer, as there is no gettingaway from the fact that after sales serv-ice costs money and the only person thatpays for that is the customer. It is ourrole though to ensure that the after salesservice is value for money.

I am very much enjoying being partof the team at Hayter, and look forwardto the future, particularly in golf, whereI see so much potential for us.

Some reading what I have said mayquestion my knowledge and views onthe industry but, although I haven�tbeen involved as long as perhaps manyothers, as mentioned earlier, in someways that does give me the opportunityto look at the industry dispassionatelyand in an unbiased manner.

It is a �fun� industry but it needs tochange. I am sure it will adapt andcontinue to be a thriving vibrant and,dare I say it, profitable industry to beinvolved in.


Portfolio

01480 226800

Cambuslang on ParCambuslang Golf Course has shownthat it’s not just the big boys that

can afford to avail themselves of thelatest in turf machinery. For the

picturesque nine-hole course, whichis located just outside Glasgow, hasequipped itself with a range of new

Toro mowers on a six-year leasedeal, in a bid to further improve

course presentation.

0141 814 3366

Dressing down at SeafieldBeing used extensively at SeafieldG&CC by head greenkeeper MichaelBolger is a Wiedenmann Terra Spike

aerator. The Terra Spike XP is arobustly constructed deep aerator

that provides soil compaction reliefdown to 400mm and features Vibra

Stop, an integrated shock absorbingsystem that protects the machine,

the tractor and the operator.

01473 270000

Millbrook’s stern testMillbrook, the independent vehicletest and development centre, has

been working with RansomesJacobsen and Calor to test, evaluate

and improve the environmentalemissions performance of a range of

ride-on municipal mowers. RichardComely of RJ said: “The work done atMillbrook has proved invaluable andwe are delighted with the results.”

01642 247789

Get the messagePeople working in busy golf clubs

can now see when the phone is ring-ing thanks to the new Phoneflash

ring indicator from Sarabec. ThePhoneflash connects into a standardBT phone socket and a built-in light

clearly flashes to indicate whenthere is an incoming call, thus

ensuring staff do not miss those allimportant green fee bookings.

0141 814 3366

Looking good at MentmoreThe condition of the two 18-hole

courses at Mentmore G&CC arecontinually being improved, and

Wiedenmann UK have played amajor role. The Glasgow-based turf

equipment manufacturer has recentlydelivered a Terra Spike deep aeratorto owners Clubhaus, to replace theirexisting Wiedenmann P160 machine

which was 11 years old.

01480 226800

Crown Golf sign up with ToroToro has concluded a £2m deal tosupply new turf equipment to golf

club operator Crown Golf, whichowns and manages nine UK golf

clubs. The Vale and Batchworth Parkare the first to be fully equipped

with a range of over £400,000 worthof Toro turf machinery, whilst the

other courses will receive their newequipment in phases.

01480 226800

Boro’s high standardsAfter spending the last few years

improving the standard of itscourse, Middlesbrough Golf Club hasbrought in new Toro turf care equip-

ment to help keep it looking itsbest. The club, keen to embark on amachinery replacement programme,

has signed a three-year finance dealthat will see Toro machinery exclu-

sively used on the course.

01473 270000

Black Gold turns GreenRansomes Jacobsen has launched a

newly upgraded and reformulatedrange of Greens Care biodegradablehydraulic oil for use in all makes of

turf maintenance equipment. GreensCare 32 is a non-hazardous ISO 32

viscosity grade oil for use in generalpurpose hydraulic systems and is a

direct replacement for petroleumbased hydraulic fluids.

Peter NybergGeneral Manager, Kungsangen Golf Club, Sweden

“The best part of Toro is they are so up to datewith their new technology. If there’s anything ourgreenkeepers are discussing or may need, theyknow that Toro is always in the front.

Toro equipment allows the staff to prepare a courseto meet the demanding new standards of the tour.Nowadays you need to have such a wide range ofequipment to maintain a course, and you knowthat Toro has the equipment you need.”

Steve TaylorCourse Superintendent, Druids Glen Golf Club,Ireland

“We find the machines give a quality cut. This,coupled with an excellent mechanic, means themachines perform at the highest standard.

The Toro units offer easy maintenance, and I don’tjust mean easier to work with, I mean they get lessand less complicated, easier to work on, easier toset up and adjust.”

Eddie BullockManaging Director, Woburn Golf and CountryClub, England

“Toro has listened and they’ve become a part ofWoburn Golf and Country Club. They’re teammembers.

... and when things are not going right, that Toroteam member is right there, listening and workingwith you.”

Jaime Ortiz PatiñoPresident, Club de Golf Valderrama, Spain

“Having received recommendations from specialistsin the field of golf maintenance of the quality ofToro equipment, I was fortunate since the day Ipurchased Valderrama in 1985 to go exclusivelywith Toro.

I do not regret this choice, since the use of Toroequipment has always given me optimum resultsand their technology is always at the forefront. Thedurability of Toro equipment makes it moreeconomical in the long run.”

Bill WarwickSuperintendent, Saint-Nom-La-Bretèche Golf Club,France

“Going into the tournament, I don’t worry aboutequipment. I’m worried more about the golf courseand the weather. I don’t even have to think aboutthe equipment. I know it’s going to be reliable. It’sone less thing I have to think about. I know it’sgoing to start and work well.

All machines break eventually, every superintendentknows that. But the support you get when yourmachine’s down, when you need it most, that’swhat great about Toro. That’s why we are Toro.That’s why we don’t have any other colour here.”

David Garland, Director of Tour Operations,PGA European Tour (pictured above)

“Not only did Toro have a full and diverse range of equipment that we required, and the majorityof the Tour’s top venues were already committed Toro users, but the endorsements and plauditswe received from the Course Superintendent’s, in our opinion the men who really count, were sonumerous the decision was easy.”

Chris Kennedy, Director and Golf Courses Manager, The Wentworth Club, England (pictured above)

“We prepare for three televised golf tournaments annually and since coming to Wentworth 13years ago I’ve done 32 televised golf tournaments using Toro equipment and irrigation. It issimply the best equipment for the preparation of golf tournaments.

Toro is still the only company that has the aeration equipment you can use the day before thetournament. Certainly for tournament presentation, the Toro range of product is second tonone.”

www.toro.com

Official Supplier

of The PGA European Tour ...They count on us ... So can you.

Along with superb shotmaking and tight competition, what makes a PGAEuropean Tour event so memorable are the stunning golf landscapes wherechampionships are contested. The dedicated teams of managers, superintendentsand greenkeepers who create these lush, challenging courses count on Toro—and so can you. The same equipment, irrigation systems and support Toroprovides to its partners at PGA European Tour sites is available to golf courseseverywhere. Whether large or small, new or old, every golf course with the desireto provide memorable golf experiences has a willing partner in this pursuit: Toro.Count on it.

IT�S A CASH MACHINE. BUT DON�T BUY IT.

We will lease you one.

The leading European supplier of golf, grass-care and utility vehicles.wwwwww..mmooxx-iinntt..ccoomm

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