gmé | issuu 33

crime on the increaseAn unprecedented crime spree at golf clubshas resulted in over £1million in stock beingstolen from pro shops already this year, and

there appears to be no end in sight.

The leading business magazine for the pan-European golf industry

GolfGolfManagementE u ro p e page 27

October 2003www.portman.uk.com

UK £5.00 Eur €7.25US $8.00

The Power of LPGDewstow become the latest golf club to realise thebenefits of LPG supplied by Calor Gas

The Power of LPGDewstow become the latest golf club to realise thebenefits of LPG supplied by Calor Gas

Contents

Well, who’d have figured it?

All four Majors in 2003 went to outsiders - three to relative unknowns and thefourth to a man whose swing was once famously described as ‘like an octopus

falling out of a tree’.

The spreading out of titles to these four worthies is a welcome sea changein the sport, but we should not lose sight of the fact that golf needs the

likes of Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, Davis Love III, Vijay Singh, RetiefGoosen and Sergio Garcia to be firing on all cylinders.

For it is these players - most notably Woods of course - who havetaken golf to its highest marketable level.

Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player handed over thebaton of responsibility to this new generation and they haveset new highs as they went along.

There is always room for a new face but we shouldn’t delightin the relative failure of our top players.

And the same attitude should prevail in the golf industry.

Fresh blood and new ideas are always welcome - but weshould not gloat at the demise of others.

As a publication, Golf Management Europe is now in itsseventh year of publication. In that time other, larger,publishing houses have entered the marketplace andfallen by the wayside. It is sad to see magazines,newsletters and websites come and go - for there isa market there with a ravenous appetite for information.

But too many have come looking for the quick buck- and failed.

Likewise companies elsewhere in the industry haveappeared and disappeared almost overnightbecause they did not afford the market sufficientrespect. It is not the place for fly-by-nights.

We are proud to work with, alongside and occa-sionally for, some well-established companies within this industry and are delighted to be in thevanguard of golf trade publications.

We will continue to inform and prompt debate inequal measure - and for keeping us up at the top ofthe leaderboard, we thank you, our readers.

So, after consultation with many of you, we havebowed to your request, and produced a magazine

binder in which you can house your collection of GME.Turn to page 33 for further details.

Dedication isthe secret tolongevity

issue 33credits;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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No part of this publication may bereproduced or transmitted in anyform without written permissionfrom the publisher.

Whilst due care to detail is takento ensure that the content of Golf Management Europe isaccurate, the publisher cannotaccept liability for errors.

© Portman Publishing andCommunications Ltd 2003

cover story 7

profitable paths 20

john jermine 14

powerscourt 23

Golf Management Europe October 2003

News

October 2003 Golf Management Europe

Golf leaders join forces torealise commercial visionLead StoryThe PGA and Braemar Golf Developmentshave brought together their joint expert-ise in an effort to enhance commercialopportunities within the management ofgolf facilities.

The new partnership aims to create arecognisable and reputable force withinthe industry, and they have already wontheir first management service contractin Portugal.

Keith Haslam, operations director ofPGA Golf Management said: “The combi-nation of skills, market knowledge andcontacts places us in an almost uniqueposition within the commercial golfingarena.

“We have already demonstrated thecalibre of our team and the need for suchstrong expertise in securing our firstcontract in Portugal.

“The key to our long term success isfirmly founded in an innovative partner-ship approach which is designed to meetthe individual needs of every client.”

The team behind the venture are someof the most experienced executives inEurope boasting skills acquired directlyfrom hands-on responsibility for success-ful and profitable golf operations.

This scope of expertise will enable PGAGolf Management to provide a full rangeof business services from humanresources to marketing.

Commenting on the venture, SandyJones, chief executive of the PGA said:“Some time ago, we recognised that thecommercial side of golf can offer a rangeof prosperous opportunities and nowwith the right partner, we can seize theseand bring them to a profitable fruition.”

Nick Faldo has been selected to designa new 18 hole golf course called‘Cottonwood Hills’ in Kansas, USA.

Located within three miles of PrairieDunes Golf Club, and occupying similarlydramatic, sandy terrain, Cottonwood Hillsis Faldo’s first design in the mid-West.

Commenting on the contract, Faldosaid: “This is an incredible piece of land.Faldo Design, is fortunate to havedesigned courses in some special placesaround the world, but this wonderfullynatural and splendidly rugged site mayeclipse them all. It is a once-in-a-life-time opportunity for us.”

To be operated on a ‘high-end daily feebasis’, Faldo’s layout will be the centre-piece of a prestigious 582-acre mixed-use master planned community.

“It is great to know that this golfcourse will be open to the generalpublic”, added Faldo. “And it is both anhonour and a challenge to be creatingwhat we intend will be a major champi-onship standard golf course so close toPrairie Dunes, undoubtedly one ofAmerica’s finest courses.”

Faldo wins inthe mid-West

Record turnout at SALTEX

With more exhibitors and visitors thanever, this year’s IOG SALTEX show re-affirmed its position as Europe’s leadingopen management event as 16,473attended last month’s event which washeld at the Windsor Racecourse.

This years event was also the largest inthe show’s 65-year history with 437exhibitors occupying a total floor area of47,733 m2.

The contract to manage the recently-completed championship golf course atThe Grove, Hertfordshire, has beenawarded to Troon Golf, who currentlymanage more than 140 golf clubs in 11countries.

The course at The Grove was designedby Kyle Phillips and has already earnedhigh praise from experts and enthusiastswho have seen its layout.

Paul Dellanzo, vice-president of TroonGolf’s European division, said: “The Groveblends wide open spaces with contempo-rary interiors while maintaining thecenturies-old aura left by many ancestorsof the estate.

“We are honoured to partner a compa-ny as respected as Ralph Trustees inLondon’s first true venture in resortgolf.”

Troon Golf win managementcontract at The Grove

The Bendinat Group, owner of TheRoyal Bendinat Golf Club in Mallorca,have acquired The London Golf Club foran undisclosed fee.

It had been rumoured that FormulaOne supremo Bernie Ecclestone wasinterested in purchasing the ten-year oldclub, but appears to have lost out.

George Pando, director of The RoyalBendinat Golf Club said “This is a greatopportunity for two top ranking yet envi-ronmentally friendly courses to be joinedtogether cementing the long standingrelationship that the British have hadwith the Balearic island of Mallorca.”

The London Golf Club has two coursesand a superb clubhouse all set in around600 acres and was built to an exception-ally high standard by a Japaneseinvestor.

One course, the Heritage, was beendesigned by Jack Nicklaus and the other,the International, by Ron Kirby, hissenior course designer, both with par 72.

The Bendinat Group has a reputationas a developer of residential, commercialand leisure facilities and has long-termplans to add new facilities on a step bystep basis while maintaining the existingquality of the club for its members.

The Royal Bendinat Golf Club is amember of the Audubon Society of NewYork which is one of the top ecologicalgroups in the world and the RoyalBendinat has created a remarkablereserve for wildlife and flora on thecourse.


It’s always good for a manufacturer to hear that his client is happy and this isexactly the case at Ipswich Golf Club, where course manager Norman Fenwick has justtaken delivery of a second Wiedenmann aerator. “We took delivery of the larger Terra

Spike XP210 last autumn and it has performed superbly over the past 10 months,”said Fenwick. “We used it for deep aeration on our fairways, semi rough and roughtwice last season and the quality of these areas has been excellent this summer.”

Happy Clients at Ipswich

Select Golf Lockers

Secure in our Style

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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.

Ecclestone misses out onLondon Golf Club

The bonnie banks of Loch Lomond areset to welcome more golfers.

A third golf course is to be built in a£37m development - and, unlike the twoexisting courses, the public will be ableto pay and play.

The go-ahead for the 18-hole coursewas expected to be given by the plan-ning authority of the newly-created LochLomond and Trossachs National Park.

Planning permission may end criticismthat only the rich and famous are able toplay golf on the bonnie banks. ActorSean Connery is a frequent visitor toLoch Lomond Golf Club where a roundcosts more than £150.

Other celebrities play at the club andon a neighbouring course owned by USmillionaire Lyle Anderson.

Now the De Vere hotel group - whichowns the loch-side Cameron House Hotel- wants to build a pay-and-play golfcourse as well as 92 holiday flats at adisused gravel pit in Midross.

More golf atLoch Lomond

News


A management buy-out is currentlybeing considered at the leisure groupClubhaus.

In a strategic review, Clubhaus saysthat during the past few months it hasbeen apparent that there are a number ofoptions the board can pursue to achieveits objectives.

One is the possible sale of the compa-ny. These are early days and there is nocertainty that a sale will go ahead.

The review says: “In the event that asale is considered to be in the best inter-ests of the shareholders, certain membersof the board have indicated that theywould be interested in a managementbuy-out to determine if this producedthe best deal for shareholders.”

Clubhaus appointed Close BrothersCorporate Finance Ltd on September 22,2003 to assist the board in reviewing allthe options available.

At the same time the companyannounced that following the successfuldisposal of all its non-core businesses,the core portfolio of 11 clubs hasperformed in line with management’sexpectations during the first 11 monthsof the financial year ending September30, 2003.

Disposisng of non-core clubs ThreeRivers and The Fox realised approximately£3.75m. The review continues: “On alike for like basis the results for the 11

clubs for the full year will be significant-ly ahead of those achieved in the previ-ous year.

“However, due to the high level andcost of debt within the company, it isunlikely that the company will report aprofit for the year ended.

“In this year’s interim report publishedon May 23, 2003, John Hume, the chair-man, made reference to the strategicobjectives of the group, namely tocontinue to focus on the UK Country Clubbusiness and secondly to develop thefour remaining clubs which do not offerhealth and fitness facilities, into countryclubs.

“The development of the portfolio,specifically the four clubs, is precludedby the current capital structure, whichcontains a high level of expensive andrestrictive borrowings.

“The chairman also made reference tothe fact that the board was working oninitiatives to reduce the burden of debtto allow the development projects to becompleted.

“During the past few months it hasbecame apparent that there are a numberof alternative options that the board canpursue to achieve its objectives andthese include the possible sale of thecompany.”

A further announcement from Clubhauswill be made in due course.

Management buy-out apossibility at Clubhaus

Golf clubs across Europe will payparticular interest to a record fine dishedout to an Australian club in September.

A Sydney golf club was ordered to payAUS $600,000 for its role in an environ-mental disaster that killed more than10,000 fish, as well as numerous ducksand other wildlife.

A $250,000 fine was imposed onWarringah Golf Club, on the city’s north-ern beaches, over a pesticide spill thatpoisoned the fauna in the Manly Lagoonin February 2001.

It is the equal highest fine for environ-mental damage ever ordered in NewSouth Wales.

On top of the fine, the club wasordered to pay the EnvironmentProtection Authority’s legal bill andclean-up costs, lifting the total penaltyto around $600,000.

A greenkeeper was fined and sentencedto 250 hours community service earlierthis year on charges stemming from theincident.

He hosed the toxic pesticide ontoconcrete, which spilt into a storm-waterdrain and into the lagoon, killing thefish, ducks and other inhabitants of thewaterway.

The presiding judge, Justice Talbot,said it was important to send a powerfulmessage to organisations to clean uptheir acts. “Non-profit entities should notthink they can escape significant penal-ties if they fail to maintain the environ-mental standards set by legislation solelybecause they provide a service to thegeneral public,” he said.

He said the golf club’s actions were“heinous” and it was highly culpable forthe environmental disaster.

Record fine levied forEnvironmental damage

Couple buyMerrist Wood

New owners Paddy and Sue Flavin,have completed a £2.1m managementbuy-out of Merrist Wood, Surrey.

The 250-acre site, near Guildford, wasformerly owned by Merrist Wood College.The par-72 course was David Williamsdesigned and Whitnell Contracts built,and opened in 1997. It is a member ofthe Barrelfield Golf Network.

Paddy Flavin said: “Having successfullycompleted our buyout, we are very muchlooking forward to developing our reputa-tion as a first-class club and seeing thetrue potential of Merrist Wood flourish.”

Four members of Whickham Golf Clubin County Durham are off to Americaafter winning the Great Britain nationalfinal of the 2003 John Deere TeamChampionship golf tournament held onthe Brabazon course at The Belfry.

The team, joined by a fifth player froma local John Deere dealership, beat offstiff competition from clubs across GreatBritain to take home the title.

John DeereGB winners


Calor Gas LimitedAthena House, Athena Drive, Tachbrook Park,

Warwick CV34 6RL England

Telephone: 0800 216 659Email: [email protected]

www.calor.co.uk

COVER STORY

Cover StoryMost golf clubs are looking to maximisethe usage of their fleets of golf carswhilst at the same time running themcost effectively. As a result, more clubshave already begun to recognise thebenefits of LPG (Liquefied PetroleumGas) as an alternative form of fuel topower their buggies.

One club that has turned its back onpetrol and electric powered golfbuggies is Dewstow Golf Club inMonmouthshire. Dewstow became acustomer of Calor�s earlier this yearwhen it recognised the significant costand convenience advantages to begained by running its fleet of 20buggies on LPG.

Paul Madge, commercial salesspecialist, at Calor says: �For many yearsLPG stood in the shadows of its petroland electric rivals, but within the lastyear golf clubs are increasingly takingnotice of this economical, clean fuel.�

Having run his fleet on petrol for anumber of years, Mark Harris, headgreenkeeper, at Dewstow Golf Club, isextremely happy that he made thechange to LPG: �We were using over100 litres of petrol a week, so travellingback and forth to the nearest station wasproving very inconvenient and costly,�said Harris.

�When Calor approached me andrecommended running our fleet on LPGwith an onsite refuelling facility, I couldinstantly see this was an excellent alter-native, especially as LPG is around halfthe price of petrol.�

LPG golf buggies offer a number ofdistinct advantages. Firstly, the runningcosts are considerably cheaper as LPGis duty exempt for off road usage.

Secondly, the onsite refuelling facil-ity for LPG provides convenience andpeace of mind as it allows bunkeredfuel storage and reduced risk of pilfer-age and spillage.

Petrol on the other hand incursrestrictions on storage and can bedamaging to greens should spillageoccur.

Harris also had the option of switch-ing to electric but dismissed this aselectricity is expensive, and an addi-tional cost that is often overlooked isthe charging equipment.

�We were deterred from using elec-tric as there were very expensive set upcosts involved and would require some-one to always oversee the lengthycharging process which is simply notpractical� says Harris.

With the decision made to switch toLPG, Paul Madge recommended theinstallation of a 2,000 litre refuellingunit at Dewstow Golf Club. The instal-lation was carried out by experiencedCalor engineers with minimum disrup-tion to the club.

The delivery of gas to the golf clubtakes place every eight weeks, depend-ing on usage and the weather. Averageusage at Dewstow is 20 litres per daybut the weather does play an importantrole in the amount of gas that is used bythe buggies.

�When comparing the costs of LPGwith petrol, LPG rates about 25 per centcheaper over a three year period,� saysMadge.

�It�s a greener fuel that offersoutstanding performance benefits, soit�s no wonder that more and moreclubs are now beginning to take advan-tage of this alternative fuel.�

The golf buggies were purchasedthrough Ransomes Jacobsen dealer,RS Birds, based in the Vale ofGlamorgan. As one of the leadingcompanies in the UK to provide gaspowered golf buggies, the 20 EZGOvehicles became the perfect solution forDewstow�s mobile requirements.

For Dewstow Golf Club, workingwith Calor means that it is now able toprovide clean and efficient buggies forgolfers, whilst at the same time runningthem all cost effectively. Prior to this, itwas something that was just not possi-ble and was costing the club a consider-able amount more in terms of time andmoney.

Harris says: �The only regret wehave is that we didn�t recognise theenormous benefits of gas poweredbuggies before. We are very pleasedwith their performance and lookforward to maintaining the excellentworking relationship that we have withCalor.�

Dewstow Golf Club on thegreen with Calor Gas


News

Baron get the Massage

Employees from leisure IT firm BaronLRMS got the chance to relax in stylerecently with a massage at CottinghamParks Golf and Country Club.

The Wakefield-based company had justcompleted the installation of a systemthat integrated the management of thevenue’s growing facilities and member-ship.

The ten-year-old venue, on the outskirtsof Hull, has undergone an impressivetransformation with the clubhouse nowincorporating conference and functionsuites, a modern health club, a 20m swim-ming pool and an Elements beauty salonwith the Baron IT system covering allaspects of the venue’s operation.

Jane Wiles, director at CottinghamParks, explained: “We installed the Baronsystem because of its ability to bring all

aspects of the club together. With justone application we can manage all typesof bookings from tee times, fitness class-es and instructor lessons to crèche times,beauty appointments and special events.”

One of the region’s best-known hotelshas introduced top of the range IT equip-ment to help its golfers improve theirswing.

De Vere Slaley Hall in Northumberland,home to two championship golf courses,is using GASP - a Golf Analysis System forProfessionals to enable golfers to elimi-nate mistakes from their play.

The equipment comprises of two digitalcameras which pick up a pupil’s swingfrom different angles. The images arethen transferred to a laptop and laterprojected on to a screen, enabling thepro’s to highlight any faults and makesuggestions for improvement.

An interactive graphic function enablesthe pro’s to demonstrate on-screen how aswing should look and help correctthings such as head movements. Thesystem also has the capability for golfersto compare themselves to stars like TigerWoods - or their friends from the fairway!

Gordon Robinson, head teachingprofessional at De Vere Slaley Hall, said:“GASP is a great system and we’redelighted to be able to offer it to ourmembers and visitors.

“Not only does the equipment addvalue and interest to golf lessons, but italso creates a sense of fun and evencompetition for our players.”

Golfers ‘GASP’ at new kit

Conferencegathers pace

More than 200 delegates from fourcontinents have signed up for the 2003European Golf Investment and RealEstate Conference & Exhibition to beheld in Athens on November 28 and 29.

One of the main aims of the event isfor participants to find new businesspartners in emerging markets in Europe,such as central and eastern Europe - forexample Bulgaria, Croatia, Russia andthe Ukraine - the ten new EU countriesand the East Mediterranean, especiallyGreece, Cyprus and Turkey.

Organisers hope to send out a clearmessage to Europe, North America andAsia that these emerging, virtually unde-veloped markets need expertise, know-how, capital, products, services andsupport from the west.

Peter Heilmann, director of eventorganisers INV International Ltd,explained: “Another target of the confer-ence is for participants to discuss forth-coming projects, develop new business,make new deals and even sign newcontracts in existing, more maturemarkets.

“They will be able to explore newmarket trends and recognise emergingopportunities in the dynamic Europeanregion. Delegates will also have theopportunity to exchange ideas and viewson the future of the golf, resort, hospi-tality and leisure real estate industriesthroughout Europe.”

Safer roundsat Felixstowe

Changes to three holes are planned atFelixstowe Golf Club following an injurysustained by solicitor Michael Kent lastyear.

Kent, who was walking his dog along asea wall which adjoins the Suffolk club,was struck in the eye resulting in severebruising on his face.

Club manager Richard Tibbs said thatthe club had been carrying out riskassessments and was extremely concernedabout possible repeat incidents.

“This problem has come about in thelast ten to 15 years as Felixstowe hasbecome more and more busy, and thereare more people out walking,” said Tibbs.

“They have a right to enjoy the seawall and lie on the beach, and we aredoing our level best so that they can doso.”


Toro helped Walker Cup venue Ganton with its preparations for last months impres-sive victory over the United States through the loan of an additional fleet of mowingequipment. The kit included three fairway machines, a Reelmaster 3100-D Sidewinder

and three Flex 21 pedestrian greensmowers. “Our mowing programme just prior tothe tournament was intensive; three or four times normal,” commented head

greenkeeper Philip Baldock.

Toro help Walker Cup success

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Master PPlanning oof NNew CCoursesDetailed DDesigns

Renovation oof EExisting CCoursesDesign aand EEstablishment MManagement

Restoration oof HHistoric CCourses

New entrance matting for big hitters at Dale Hill

Recent work at the 350-acre Dale Hill Hotel and leisure complex at Ticehurst inSussex included a major refurbishment to the golf club entrance. Designers, TFLInternational specified that Frontrunner Plus matting be used at the entrance in orderto keep the reception area pristine and clean and maintenance costs reduced.

Thefts on theincrease

A gang of organised thieves may bebehind a series of golf club raids innorth-east Scotland. Newmachar Golf Clubwas hit in the early hours of a Septembermorning and the raiders made off with ahuge haul of equipment and clothing.

It was the latest in a string of break-ins after clubs at Balmedie, Inchmarlo,Aboyne and Banff were also hit.

No one from Newmachar Golf Club wasavailable for comment.

Detective Sergeant Richard Guild, whois leading the investigation, has notruled out a link to a number of similarcrimes at clubs in the region.

In the early hours of August 27, golfclubs and equipment worth more than£12,000 were stolen from the EastAberdeenshire GC, at Millden, justoutside Balmedie.

And at about 3.30am on August 16,£9,000 of golf equipment, including driv-ers worth £6,000, were taken fromInchmarlo Golf Centre.

News


MagKnife, the new magnetic bottom blade attachment system from RansomesJacobsen Ltd, has won the Best New Sports Turf Product Award at IOG Saltex.Managing director Steve Chicken received the award from Steven Farish, of HaymarketProfessional Publications, publishers of Horticulture Week, the sponsors of the Awards.

Peter Weston, editor of Horticulture Week said in his introduction as he announcedthe winner: “In the opinion of the judging panel this product will give RansomesJacobsen a very competitive edge and will set the standards for other manufacturersto follow.”

Shortly after the presentation Steve Chicken was recalled to the podium to receive asecond award, this time for Outstanding Overall Product at the Show.

The Ipswich-based turf equipment manufacturer launched MagKnife, their revolu-tionary new magnetic system for attaching bottom blades to commercial mowers atSALTEX with the claim that it revolutionises mower maintenance.

MagKnife wins its first award

Quick work atBasingstoke

A combination of excellent latesummer weather and close co-operationbetween the contractors, BarrelfieldConstruction and the clients BasingstokeGolf Club, has resulted in all bunkers atthe Hampshire club being reconstructedin less than two months with minimaldisruption to play.

According to golf course architect andEIGCA member David Williams, who re-

designed the bunkering and oversaw theproject, these factors have been vital inensuring minimal disruption to play onthe course.

“Having been involved in bunkerreconstruction on courses for many years,I am firmly of the opinion that minimumoverall disruption is caused when thework is undertaken in late summer orearly autumn,” said Williams.

“I acknowledge that this often coin-cides with relatively busy periods of playand often club competitions, however, atBasingstoke, undertaking this work atthis time resulted in very little disrup-tion, with play being possible to all holeswith the sole exception of the hole beingworked on that day.”

With Barrelfield Construction liaisingclosely on a daily basis with club manag-er Alan Jefford, and head greenkeeperHarvey Tribe, disruption to play wasabsolutely minimal, thus justifying thedecision to undertake the work at a rela-tively busy time in the clubs calendar.

A Maltese golf course suffered severerain damage during torrential downpoursin September.

The rains which hit the island floodedthe Marsa Golf Club, causing thousandsof liri of damage. It is understood theentire golf course ended up under water,with the lowest part of it covered by asmuch as six feet of water.

A failure of the main drainage ditchcaused the water overflow whichdamaged the golf course extensively.

Cars are believed to have fallen intothe ditch and blocked it. The result wasdevastating, according to local reports.

The entire course was damaged andthe clubhouse, where a number ofsupplies were stored, was flooded.Sources said this was the third time thegolf course had flooded in recent years.

Rain enoughto make theMaltese Cross

Pro ousted atSuffolk club

Supporters of a Suffolk professionalhave lost their battle to keep him at theclub. Nick McNeil, who has been clubprofessional at Rushmere for almost 25years, left on September 30.

Feelings ran high at a special generalmeeting attended by 235 members heldat a nearby school but despite more than80 members giving their backing toMcNeil they were outvoted by aroundtwo to one.

It is believed the committee, alongwith a majority of members, want tobring in new blood in a bid to revitalisethe club shop and services provided bythe resident pro.

Two-hundred and thirty of those whoattended were able to cast their vote.

Eighty-three opposed the motion toremove McNeil, while 146 sided with thecommittee. One vote was void.

Bob Tawell, secretary of Rushmere GCand one of the six committee memberswho chaired the meeting said: “It was alively debate and people spoke for bothparties.

“It’s my job now to make sure the clubunites. We have to make sure we get onwith the business in hand and the clubruns smoothly. There have been nogrudges and there was no animosity.”

A supporter of McNeil, Simon Strutt,said: “I just think it is a very sad day forRushmere Golf Club and for Nick.”


Barrelfield Golf Limited302 Ewell Road, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 7AQ

Telephone: 020 8390 6566 Internet: www.barrelfieldgolf.co.ukFacsimile: 020 8390 8830 Email: [email protected]

Building the Future of GolfBarrelfield Golf Limited has probably developed more golf clubs on behalf of clients and landowners than any othercompany in the last ten years. We pride ourselves on developing golf courses to time, to budget and which are theright product for the right marketplace.

Barrelfield Golf Limited assembles the right team of experts for each project and manages all planning aspects,design, construction and growing-in. We can be appointed as project managers, contractors or consultants.

Barrelfield Golf Limited has wide experience of the latest design, construction, drainage and irrigation methods.We can offer expert advice and service for new built projects, clubhouse construction, alterations and course improvements.

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Over a dozen new courses built during the 1990s

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Course audits, renovations and improvementsTelephone: (01492) 512070 Fax: (01492) 512077

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Member of the European Institute of Golf Course Architects

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News


Ronan Rafferty, officially opened thesecond 18-hole course at American GolfUK’s Sherfield Oaks in September. Thegolf club, on 440 acres, is situated nearthe village of Sherfield between Readingand Basingstoke.

The new course was designed by SimonGidman, past president of the EuropeanInstitute of Golf Course Architects, andbenefits from a host of bunkers andwater features. “Speaking as a golfcourse architect, there are two importantingredients for a successful golf coursedevelopment,” said Gidman.

“One is an attractive site and the otheris a good team of people all workingtowards the same, successful conclusion.”

The development followed a businessplan, well-established in the world ofcommercial property development but sofar unusual for a new golf project, in thatthe developers had signed up the operat-ing company before the start of anyconstruction work.

Roy Horton and Julian Covey are thebusinessmen behind the scheme. Theirdevelopment company, LuddingtonInvestments, has a long-term lease overthe land and through their constructingarm, Test Valley Management, construct-ed the courses to the specification anddemands of American Golf.

The advantage of the arrangement layin the fact that the end product andmarket segment was established beforethe course was even built.

American Golf is reported to bedelighted with the development atSherfield Oaks, both in respect of theoverall design of the golf facility, andalso in the attention to detail that hasbeen employed by the constructors, whoalso built the clubhouse and mainte-nance facilities.

American Golf (UK) Limited is asubsidiary of American Golf Corporation,the largest golf operator in the worldwith over 260 properties.

American Golf opens latestUK venture

Club Car aidNilsmark toSolheim glory

As Official Golf Car of The SolheimCup, Club Car knew they would have torise to the occasion and provide a levelof service synonymous with the leadinggolf car manufacturer’s reputation.

However, when European Team CaptainCatrin Nilsmark announced that shewould not take defeat lying down, noone anticipated that she would meanthis literally!

The famous Swede is recovering fromacute back spasms caused by a buldgingdisc. The spasms have been so severethat she was recently hospitalised inStockholm for eight days.

Some sceptics thought that this wouldprevent Nilsmark from taking up hercaptaincy, but thanks to Club Car shenot only managed to follow the actionon course over all three days but led theEuropean team to a stunning victorybeating the Americans by 17½ to 10½.

Catrin’s Captain’s car was customisedat short notice by installing a reclinedseating position with additional paddingto make her ride as smooth and painlessas possible.

Club Car also supplied a fleet of 100vehicles to transport key personnelaround Barsebäck Golf and Country Clubincluding TV crews, rules officials, aswell as the Captains.

What a way to‘Goa’

The Goa government has signed anagreement with PGA Design Consultingfor a feasibility study on the possibilityof setting up an 18-hole course of ‘inter-national standard’.

In accordance with the agreement, PGADesign is to submit its report to thestate government within two months.

Moor Park Golf Club in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, are installing a new drainagesystem and developing their exisiting one throughout the course. Head greenkeeper,Stuart Bartram selected the hard working AFT 45 trencher as a key element of hismachinery requirements.

This model has a digging boom depth of one metre complete with digging chainwhich cuts a trench 125mm and has a total sportsturf clean-up conveyor system andhydraulic lift. Further work is scheduled for later in the season with completion due inNovember.

AFT install new drainagesystem at Moor Park

Royal St George’s provided a true challenge to the world’s best golfers at the 2003Open in July. The course, superbly prepared by head greenkeeper Neil Metcalf and his

hard working staff, played as fast and hard as a traditional links course should, andattracted widespread praise for its high quality, testing conditions. Open championBen Curtis will perhaps have appreciated more than most the work done by Metcalf

and his team, as his father is a golf course superintendent in the USA.

Metcalf grateful to John Deere


Swan Golf Designs have announced aDesign Scholarship in collaboration withthe Federation of European GolfGreenkeepers’ Associations (FEGGA).

The scholarship will consist of a tenweek secondment programme for green-keepers who are interested in learningmore about golf course architecture.

The SGD Scholarship, backed by FEGGA,will allow one student each year to spendthe Autumn in Howard Swan’s practice inEngland and to work and travel with histeam of six architects, who are active inover 20 plus countries.

Dean Cleaver, secretary of FEGGA said:“We are very pleased to be able to offerthis wonderful opportunity to ourmember associations through our part-nership with Swan Golf Designs.

“FEGGA very much realises the impor-tance of good communication whenworking with professional golf coursearchitects within the scope of GolfCourse Management.

“This will certainly help in achievinggreater understanding and creating muchmore awareness of the role they play,which in turn can only lead to better golfcourses.”

The first recipient of the Scholarshipwill be a Finn, Annika Vehkonen fromLepaa University, nominated by theFinnish Greenkeeper’s Association.

“I am delighted that, with FEGGA, wehave managed to give this opportunityto a young enthusiast,” added HowardSwan. “It is just one example of ourintent and keenness to see better educa-tion and training in our profession.

“It will complement well the place-ment, we anticipate, of an Heriot-WattUniversity Masters Graduate this year,under the EIGCA Assisted Workprogramme.

“The future of our profession lies withthese younger people and we need toensure they are well trained and have thechance to have hands on experience.”

FEGGA in collaboration withSwan Golf Designs

Calor supplyLPG buggies

Calor, has teamed up with BeamishPark Golf Club to supply power to its newfleet of LPG powered golf buggies.

The selection committee, headed byDave Greener was tasked with procuringa fleet of golf buggies that would beable to tackle the hilly, Durham coursewith ease.

“To help retain the senior members atthe club it was essential to introducegolf buggies. We wanted to ensure theycould still participate in their love ofgolf but without the physical demands ofwalking the course,” said Greener.

Golf Management Europe is Europe�s leading business magazine for the golfindustry, and to celebrate this fact, a new range of magazine binders is nowavailable to help keep your collection in pristine condition. Each binder holds18 issues � three years worth of magazines � and are priced at £10 each.For a limited period, take out any two-year subscription to Golf ManagementEurope and we�ll throw in a magazine binder absolutely free!For subscriptions, back issues and binders call 0870 241 4678or order online at www.portman.uk.com

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Welsh Expectations


John Jermine says he has got hisdream job. The successful busi-nessman and former Welsh inter-national golfer has been appointed

chairman of Ryder Cup Wales 2010, thepublic-sector company set up to ensureWales is as best prepared as possible forhosting the prestigious event.

Jermine�s role will be to co-ordinateand lead the Wales-wide effort, workingwith everyone from the NationalAssembly Government and the WelshDevelopment Agency, to local authorities,golf clubs, and hotels across the country.

With the last Ryder Cup at theBelfry in 2002 bringing an estimated£50m into the West Midland�s econo-my, the 2010 event at Newport�s CelticManor promises not just to be awonderful spectacle of golf, but amassive economic boost.

The mantra of Ryder Cup Wales2010 is simple - the more preparedWales is for the event, the more Walescan benefit. Jermine said: �The RyderCup in 2010 will be the biggest thing tohappen to Welsh golf - ever.

�And you can see throughout Walesthat we are beginning to benefit already.From the entrants to the Welsh Open andother high profile tournaments acrossWales, we are already beginning toattract the top worldwide professionals.

�This would not have happenedwithout the Ryder Cup.�

Jermine, 59, who was brought up inRadyr, Cardiff, believes Wales is alsostarting to benefit economically sincethe Ryder Cup win was announced.

�What we have to continue to do isshout about all the great golf clubs wealready have here in Wales,� he said.Hidden�Scotland and Ireland are ahead of uson golf tourism, but we can follow theirlead. For too long Wales has hiddenitself under a bushell, so we need to tellpeople all about our great golf clubs andaccommodation.�

Jermine believes he only has to getgolf tourists to visit Wales once andthey will be hooked.

�Everyone who ever comes to Walesnever wants to leave,� he said.

�We just have to get over anymisapprehensions people may havebefore they visit. This has certainlyworked for football, with all the gamesat the Millennium Stadium, and there isno reason why we cannot extend this togolf.

�The benefit to Wales from a co-ordinated approach to the Ryder Cupwill be immense, and I also believe itcan be permanent.�

Praising the preparations that arealready well under way at the CelticManor resort itself, Jermine says therest of Wales must do its bit.

�The Ryder Cup Wales 2010 compa-ny is not about spending money thatdisappears into the ether, it is aboutworking to benefit Wales forever, usingthe event as a springboard.

�To do this we have to ensure thatall the infrastructure is in place, weneed more and better golf courses andother facilities, better hotels and suchlike.

�My job is to work with people,everyone from golf clubs to councilsand the Wales Tourist Board, to create aco-ordinated approach.�

A chartered accountant, Jermine hashad a long and successful business life.DeterminedAppearing both very personable, butalso steely determined, he has heldsenior posts in the publishing and secu-rity industries.

His career began in 1970 with TheWestern Mail and Echo before movingto a number of top positions with thecompany�s then parent owner Thomson.

In 1983 Jermine moved on to globalsecurity giant ADT, where he wasresponsible for all UK operations.

John Jermine has been handed the task of ensuring that Wales prepares for the Ryder Cupin 2010 in the best possible way, and the former Welsh international golfer intends to seethe job through. Article by Will Smale of the Western Mail.


After eight years with ADT hebecame chairman of NSM, which hadinterests in coal mining, building mate-rials and waste collection.ChairmanSince 1997, he has been a shareholderand non-executive chairman ofFurnitureland, which has sales of £70mand employs 400 people in 21 stores inEngland and Wales.

Despite his busy working life,Jermine has always managed to maketime for golf, at which he is certainlyaccomplished. He represented Wales atinternational level between 1972 and2000, also winning the Welsh amateurtitle three years ago.

Jermine was also non-playingcaptain of Wales from 1993 to 1995, anda member of the council of the WelshGolfing Union from 1990 and 1996. Hesays he still adores a round of golf, andtoday plays off a handicap of one.

�My role with Ryder Cup Wales2010 is to work with people, and it real-ly is my dream job,� said Jermine.

�Well, winning the Open would alsobe very personally pleasing, but thatwill have to come later.�

Ryder Cup Wales 2010 is funded bythe National Assembly Government andrun by a board representing the WelshDevelopment Agency, the Wales TouristBoard, the Sports Council for Wales,the Welsh Golfing Union, and theWelsh Ladies Golfing Union.

After such a successful career inprivate business, Jermine says he has noproblems with having to tip his toe inpublic sector waters.

�Bringing the Ryder Cup to Walescould not have happened without thepublic sector support,� he said. �Thiswe now have to continue to ensure thepublic and private sectors work togetherto ensure it is the best Ryder Cup ever.

�It took a lot of vision to go for theevent, and the wider economic benefitsare now there for the taking. The RyderCup in 2010 will be spectacular, and wewill work as hard as possible to ensurethe benefits are both wide and varied.�

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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The Hayter Harrier 56 is a quick, yet precise, solution to your tee problems.

Heaven’s Above!


Below is an extract from aneditorial that I wrote forGolf Management Europein October 2002:

�Water. Earlier this year peoplewere cursing an excess of it, later in theyear, they cursed having to use irriga-tion systems that had not been servicedor set up properly earlier in the year.

�What they were unlikely to do wasconsider their water supply and its usebecause it would have been adequatethis year. Consider however, a dryspring followed by a long, hot summer.They do occur!�

How prophetic can you be! Detailedbelow are just a few common problemscausing inefficient irrigation and wastedwater.

Systems we have surveyed over theyears have, more often than not, sprin-klers with inadequate wetted diametersin relation to the spacing they have beenset out on.

The spacings measured for systemreports are often erratic. Sadly typicalexamples include a sprinkler having amaximum range of say 17-18 metres -the distances between sprinklers botharound and across a green have beenrecorded with variations from 14-23metres - on a single green.

Sprinklers having a range of around19-20 metres, spaced 16-30+ metres ona fairway. The actual pattern is alsoproblematical in such circumstances - isit triangular or square? It is more oftena vague parallelogram or so calledrectangle.

Other obvious factors are ignored -positioning sprinklers behind mounds ordown slopes to the extent that distribu-tion is affected by a �rain shadow effect�.

These problems added togetherresult in poor distribution and no realmeans of assessing how much watershould be applied so the system cannotbe properly managed.

Suffice to say, in terms of water util-isation, the sort of factors outline abovecan increase water consumption quiteeasily by 20 per cent - 30 per cent,reducing the effectiveness of irrigation.

Either inadequate or excessive oper-ating pressures affect sprinkler distribu-tion are inadequate pressures result in ashorter wetted radius, less water beingdischarged and an inadequate range ofwater droplet diameters to provide thedesired distribution profile.

A high proportion of large dropletsmay cause surface impact damage fromthe increased energy of the droplet,erosion etc.

Excessive pressures produce otherproblems. High application rates mayoccur nearer the sprinkler as in factextra water is being discharged.

However, the greater proportion ofsmaller water droplets produced do notcarry as far, thus reducing coverage andwill be more susceptible to being lost toeven low speed wind carrying �misting�and small droplets away. ControlLack of flexible control of sprinklers isanother common problem. It is a fact thatolder systems generally lacked veryspecific control to allow sprinklersaround a green to be given individual arcsettings, or to allow the side in shade toapply less water than the sunny side.

The reason for this is that usually asingle or sometimes two valvescontrolled all the sprinklers around agreen.

More often than not the valvescontrolling a number of sprinklerswould be non-modulating, ie, did notrespond to variations in inlet pressureby maintaining a reasonably constantdown stream pressure.

Thus, variations of pressure on themain line through pressure losses and/orelevations affect sprinkler operatingpressures. !

The weather has always been a topical subject - especially for the British - and trying tosecond guess what each summer will bring is fast becoming a risky business, unless ofcourse you have the correct irrigation system. Article written by Mike Martin.


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Often, the smaller manufacturer didnot include pressure-regulated valves asa standard item. The above refers togreens, obviously other irrigated areasare similarly affected, includingapproaches, tees and fairways.

Whilst greens are paramount to thegolfer�s appreciation, in terms of effi-cient water utilisation, just consider thata fairway irrigation system will coveran area probably five or six times,maybe more, than the greens.

I have been criticised by competi-tors for not advocating �patching-up�some existing systems that would�save� clubs money. This is because Ihave had to visit too many systems thathave �benefited� from this treatment.

In one case on a famous heathlandcourse in the south, just prior to a newcomprehensive system being installed,sums in excess of £200,000 had beenspent on the old system. The newcomprehensive system with bells andwhistles was around £500,000.

Whilst I am not blind to makinggood use of satisfactory existing plantwithin an up-graded system, it is a facthowever that systems over about 20-25years old are nearing the end of reliableoperation, and generally do not reflect,or sometimes allow, modern irrigationand water management.

In addition to the irrigation systemitself, clubs ought to consider theirwater supplies and any AbstractionLicence they hold.

Quite apart from the frustrations ofan unreliable or poor irrigation system,the importance of an adequate and reli-able water supply should alwayscommand priority in a club�s planning.

Even today, club committees seemto start budgeting for new or replace-ment irrigation works rather than firstlychecking the position of their watersupply.

More often than not they find theirproposed irrigation works a year or twoaway because the water supply needseither expanding or re-licensing.

On the assumption that the club�sirrigation system needs either upgrad-ing or replacing, the club should firstlyconsider how much water is requiredfor what they want their system toproperly cover.

Furthermore, the EnvironmentAgency will require justification for thequantities to be licensed whether theApplication is a straightforward renew-al of an existing licence, or anApplication for a larger amount.

It is important that the calculationsfor water requirements (Evapotranspir-ation) provide the following informa-tion. Firstly, enusre that you have thecorrect �Peak Daily Water� requirement,as this is necessary to design the irriga-tion system.

Secondly, the monthly and annualquantities are also important as theseare necessary to evaluate the watersources and any water storage.

The above quantities are based uponthe irrigated areas and the efficiency ofthe irrigation equipment applying thewater, including distribution efficiencyand overthrow.AccurateThe basis for the water quantities calcu-lations should be accurate climaticrecords and may take into accountwhether it is based on average informa-tion or on, say, the seventh driest yearin 20/30, or some other criteria.

If the club has obtained rainfall dataover many years, this would be veryuseful. (But probably unique!)

Having established the quantities ofwater required for the different purpos-es it is needed, the club, or its agent,must make its Water AbstractionLicence Application in accordance withthe various Acts of Parliament, andRegulations.

These govern not only the quantityof water to be abstracted during a stipu-lated annual period but also the rates ofabstraction per hour and per day.

Irrigation is a complex changingtechnology which includes legalaspects, water licenses, and environ-mental concerns, outside the generalexperience of typical club members.

Beware that the focus does not turnsolely to something members feel theydo understand - money. Choose thecheapest, get the biggest discount!

So, pause, think, get experiencedadvice and check out other successfulcourses. Prepare for that unexpecteddry Spring or Summer.

I HAVE BEEN CRITICISED BY COMPETITORS FOR NOT ADVOCATING

�PATCHING-UP� SOME EXISTING SYSTEMS THAT WOULD �SAVE�

CLUBS MONEY. THIS IS BECAUSE I HAVE HAD TO VISIT TOO MANY

SYSTEMS THAT HAVE �BENEFITED� FROM THIS TREATMENT.


HAWTREEGOLF COURSE ARCHITECTS

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Web site: www.hawtree.co.uk

Martin HawtreeFellow of the European Institute of Golf Course Architects

TURF GROWERS AND INNOVATORS OF TURFGRASS SYSTEMS

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Profitable Paths


Winter golf in the UK andEurope used to be amessy business and canstill be at clubs that have

failed to keep up with the innovationsof a burgeoning industry.

Now there are a number of enter-prises, some expanding fast frommodest beginnings, whose productsmake mud-girt courses a thing of thepast. The lucky golfers do not finish around looking like long distance crosscountry runners splattered from head tofoot after a rainy few hours in the open.

Three firms in particular havemarketed products that help make golfin winter so much less of a chore.

And, surprise, surprise, the inspira-tion of On Course Matting is AlwenaBeresford, 36, the managing director ofthe company of which husband Richardis now a full time worker after quittinghis job with car giant Volvo.

Alwena is the brains behindRubapath for which demand in the UKhas risen steadily over the last twoyears. An all-rubber surface and bearinga resemblance to rubberised tarmac,Rubapath is manufactured from virginrubber to form a non-slip surface forpaths and walkways that enhance golfcourses and especially in winter.

The firm that has recently movedfrom a farm in Cockshutt, Shropshire toan industrial estate not far away in Wem,has a work force of just half a dozen andstill manufactures artificial grass.

UK sales of Rubapath have passedthe 30,000 square metres mark with

over another 15,000 square metresgoing to European courses. The costworks out at between £25 and £40 persquare metre, the product coming in avariety of colours.

Among users are Old Thorns,Hindhead, Salisbury and South Wiltsand the new Heritage Golf and CountryClub at Killenard, Ireland.

The idea for Rubapath came to golfwidow Alwena Beresford who had juststarted to have golf lessons. �I was fedup sitting at home while Richard was outplaying golf and I starting thinking aboutdesigning an improved practice golf matafter lessons in my back garden.

�I made a drawing and showed it toKeith Williams who was then the headprofessional at Hawkstone Park. Hesaid, go ahead and make it.

�I hadn�t any experience in that sort ofthing and what I had come up with was amat with a rubber backing. I am just apractical woman and when I showed it tomy husband he was thrilled to bits.

�In the last few months he gave uphis job to work on the installation side.This hasn�t meant me having more timeto play golf. I�m too busy. In the lastnine months I suppose I�ve playedabout twice and we have a six-year-olddaughter Harriet as well.

�Now Harriet has a set of juniorclubs and she will see more of the golfcourse than I do. I�ve been paying mysubs at Oswestry for a few years butnever seem to get time to play. I amvery much a hands-on person and havejust passed my forklift truck training.�

At the new premises On CourseMatting will house a warehouse, distribu-tion centre, showroom and offices allowfor expansion including all new andexisting Range Servant UK products.

A dedicated showroom demonstrat-ing all the company products will beavailable for clients to visit and keepingthem happy is just one reason whyAlwena Beresford cannot expect to playmuch golf this winter.RubbascapeThe Hungerford-based firm, t-leisurehave taken recycling a step further byshredding truck and fork lift tyres andturning them into rubbascape. It looksidentical to chipped bark and as it ismetal free, it has a lot of advantagesover natural wood chips.

There is no deterioration for a start.A lot of clubs still rely on traditionalwood chips for their footpaths which,while cheap to purchase, are difficult tomaintain and often scatter uncontrol-lably. Also, being an organic material,wood chips tend to rot down creating amess and requiring regular top-ups.

Rubbascape, on the other hand,offers the greenkeeper a permanent andcolourful alternative which is hardwear-ing and ideally suited for footpaths andbuggy tracks. It does not float, is veryfree draining and is barely affected bywind or driving rain.

Available in a wide-range of naturalcolours, all of which are guaranteed for upto ten years to resist fading, rubbascapecan also be used as a low maintenancetop dressing for bedding and borders.

It�s and age old problem... walkways and paths that become so muddy during the winterthat it�s often easier to walk beside the path rather than on it. John Vinicombe examinessome products that might be of interest to your club.

FFoooottppaatthh PPrroobblleemm??rubbascape is perfect for golf coursewalkways as it will not biodegrade or beaffected by wind or rain and requiresminimal care once installed.

Made from shredded rubber, it weighsfive times more than wood and can beapplied to a thinner layer. Over a periodof time, compared to wood, rubbascapewill prove a more economical materialoffering considerable savings in labour,maintenance and re-application.

USES:Golf Courses, Pathways, Landscaping

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Richard MacGregor, director of t-leisure, describes the product: �We onlyuse shredded rubber which has theappearance of chipped bark and by usingdyes specially developed for use withrubber, we can supply in eight standardcolours plus a range of primary coloursnormally used with our safety surfaces.

�Being an inorganic product meansrubbascape will not rot or deteriorate inany way. It has been used in the USAfor the last 15 years for footpaths, land-scape mulch and play area surfaces. Westarted importing it about 18 monthsago but began producing it ourselveswhen we realised it�s potential.

�It has been on the UK market forabout a year and has had a great reactionfrom everyone who has seen and used it.We believe it offers many benefits overwood bark, gravel or other aggregates.

�For instance it offers time and costsavings as it requires minimal mainte-nance. Although initially expensive, thecost will be quickly recouped withreduced upkeep and no further applica-tions being necessary.

�In independent tests, we havereceived favourable reports by userswho said rubbascape was extremely softto walk on and more comfortable thanother surfaces they had tried.

�Also rubbascape is difficult tospike with golf shoes so it shouldremain on the footpaths and not on thegreens.

�The shreds are five times heavierthan wood so they won�t blow away andcleaning is easy as you can remove leavesfrom the surface by using an air blower aspart of keeping the course tidy.�

Other benefits include a resistanceto compacting and not being attractiveto insects while retaining ground mois-ture. Rubbascape is sold by the ton in20-kilo bags, 50 to a pallet and costs£1,037 plus VAT for a ton.

Depending on the quality of groundpreparation, one ton will cover an areaof 126 sq m at 25mm depth or 63 sq mat 50mm depth.Sure StepSure Step patented surfacing is exclu-sive to Durasport, and has a proventrack record in solving problems ofpathway design while also specialisingin golf mats, putting surfaces, targetgreens, tee areas and miniature golf.

Sure Step is a sand-filled syntheticgrass system with a smart, natural turfappearance that withstands spike pene-tration and can be laid on severe slopesthus providing grip for trolleys, buggiesand footwear. It has a life expectancyof ten years.

Gang mowers can run straightacross the surface without damage.Minimal maintenance is required whicheliminates time and the expense ofannual reinstatement work. With such acovering there is a smoother buggy rideand quieter tee approaches.

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WHAT�S ON YOUR COURSE?

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A Grand Plan

CLUB INSIGHT


There are those rare placeswhere it seems the ultimatepower has taken a handful ofmountains and vistas and

dropped them on to the earth randomlywith a golf course a natural part of thelandscape.

They are few and far between andare probably - for I have no personalexperience in the field - a golf coursearchitect�s dream. Mature trees, undu-lating landscapes and the occasionalbrook all add up to something a little bitextra when it comes to playing - andindeed designing - a golf course.

Such a place is Powerscourt GolfClub, just south of Dublin. Part of therenowned Powerscourt Estate - famedfor its beautifully manicured and craftedgardens and a majestic waterfall -which dates back to the 14th century,the golf club is yet to celebrate 10 yearsin situ.

Yet were the original Lord Powers-court to venture forth from his magnifi-cent country house and set eyes upon it,one imagines he would be unperturbed.One of the few positive things to comeout of British colonialism is that whatwas once opulence of the highest orderis now accessible to the people of thenation.FireIn the case of Powerscourt House it isjust a tragedy that everything within itsmagnificent structure was lost to a firealmost 30 years ago. With no insurance,the house lay dormant for many yearsand a wonderful collection of treasuresand fine art was lost to the Irish nation.

Given that the owners of the 1,000-acre estate were the Slazenger family -they bought it in 1961 - it should beregarded as inevitable that some sort ofsporting excellence should be broughtto bear on the land.

Much of the land was used as farm-land during the period after the fire andbefore long the idea of a golf coursewas mooted. Many looked at the landand the task of producing a grandcourse was handed to Peter McEvoy inthe early 1990s.

Golf manager Bernard Gibbons,himself an ex-golf pro, explained howthe club structure came about. �As aprivately-owned enterprise it was decid-ed that the club would also be privatelyowned, so we started the Golf ClubCompany with 440 redeemable prefer-ence shares - and the first tranche of 25sold at IR£2,500 - a lot of money backin the early 90s,� he said.

�Each shareholder was entitled tonominate a person to be a member ofthe club, which was usually themselves.The uptake was very good and eachshare tranche increased in price anddemand just got greater.� !

Set amide rolling Irish countryside and the magnificent Powerscourt Estate which includesbeautiful gardens and even a 14th century waterfall, Powerscourt Golf Club has a greatdeal to offer, both on and off the course. David Bowers paid the Wicklow club a visit.


Initially the Club considered having27 holes - an 18 and a nine; but initialreaction was so good the second ninebecame a second 18 and the Westcourse opened in June this year.Gibbons added: �We�ve always donethings bit by bit; we think it throughand make sure it�s right.�

A masterplan drawn up for theEstate in 1991 included the golf cours-es, a five star hotel and holiday accom-modation in converted farm andoutbuildings. With the coursescompleted, the hotel will be next to bedeveloped and the holiday accommoda-tion following on.

The superb new West course foundits designer by something of acircuitous route.

The club worked very closely withGleneagles Golf Development from itsconception and in doing so became ongood terms with Head GreenkeeperJimmy Kidd, whose son David justhappened to be putting the finishingtouches to a course across the Atlantic.

Gibbons said: �He got great acco-lades for Bandon Dunes. Even so every-body was saying �David who?� Buthe�s a great designer and the reviewsand reaction we have had since day onesupport that view. The terrain was verynatural and there was not a lot of earthmoving involved.

With the new course came 300 moreshareholder members, the last of theseshares topped off at Euro 50,000 andsold out. The Club was so successfulthat many new shares were sold tofamily and friends of existing membersand the rest through word of mouth.

�We spent nothing on advertisingthe availability of the shares - not apenny. And we still have people phon-ing up every day inquiring about thepossibility of membership. We have hada waiting list since we opened.�AccessThe club is in an enviable location. Inthe village of Enniskerry, just 12 milesfrom the city of Dublin, it has easyaccess from the city�s hotels and istherefore an ideal location for confer-ences - and the corporate market iswearing the Powerscourt bulls-eye.

�Our main business consists of the900-strong membership and the corpo-rate market,� explained Gibbons. �Allthe major Irish companies do theircorporate entertaining here.

�In addition with two courses wecan accommodate visitors� green fees,which are €110, all day, every day.

And demand is likely to increase.When the proposed extension of theM50 is completed the motorway willpass just three miles from the estate. Atrip from Dublin airport would takearound 35 minutes - and with holidayhomes and the hotel on the horizon,things are looking good for Powerscourt.

But the club will not saturate itscourses with golfers. Annual usage onthe East Course has been around 31,000rounds - 12,000-member rounds; 8,000-members� guest-rounds; with thebalance enjoyed by visiting green feecustomers.

�We have a policy that we don�twant the courses overused to ensurethat they are maintained in top condi-tion,� said Gibbons.

�We are 450ft above sea level, sowe sometimes suffer in the winter withfrost - rain doesn�t bother us; we�rerarely shut through rain. High usagemeans the maintenance suffers and wedon�t want that.

�We�ve also no plans to build anyfurther courses at present. There�s noneed right now. Golf is booming at themoment. The only thing lacking istourists - but our main focus has alwaysbeen the Irish corporate market.

�Until now we took the view it wasmore expensive to go after the conti-nental market, particularly with thecorporate market here on our doorstep.We did not suffer as much as othersafter September 11, but those clubs whowere relying on the overseas market are

now looking to get into the corporatemarket, which has always been verysuccessful for us.

�With the addition of the new WestCourse and development of the newhotel, we will increasingly be looking atthe overseas market.

�Particularly as the Irish corporatemarket is beginning to shrink. Pursestrings are tightening across the board.�StandardsBut not, it would seem at Powerscourt,where they realise to stay ahead of thecompetition you need to maintain stan-dards even if there could be an econom-ic downturn over the WicklowMountains.

The club is likely to double its fleetof petrol-driven Yamaha buggies nextyear as the new West course is straightout and back - and the club already

�WE�VE ALSO NO PLANS TO BUILD ANY FURTHER COURSES AT PRESENT. THERE�S NO NEED RIGHT

NOW. GOLF IS BOOMING AT THE MOMENT. THE ONLY THING LACKING IS TOURISTS - BUT OUR MAIN

FOCUS HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE IRISH CORPORATE MARKET.


Fact FileClub: Powerscourt Golf Club

Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry,Co WicklowIreland

Telephone: 00 353 1 204 6033Facsimile: 00 353 1 276 1303Email: [email protected]: www.powerscourt.ie

General Manager: Bernard Gibbons (pictured)Superintendent: Paul Farren

Course Info: 36-holesEast Course: Par 72, 7024 yards (Opened 1996)West Course: Par 72, 6990 yards (Opened 2002)

Members: 900Green Fee: €100

possesses a top-of-the-range Toro irri-gation system for the whole course, notjust tees and greens.

Subsequently the course is nearlyalways in pristine condition. The greenswere made to USGA specification usingthe very tight A4 seed, which makesthem very quick.

For a venue steeped in history, thereare a surprising number of administra-tive advances at Powerscourt, includinga membership lease scheme. Gibbonsexplained: �We have a system where ifyou own a share you can lease yourmembership with the approval of theproprietor.

�A lot of people come to Ireland towork for a couple of years and this waythey can rent the membership. Theannual subscription for 2004 is €1670.

The McEvoy-designed East Coursehas hosted the 1998 Smurfit Irish Open,won by Padraig Harrington, and a 2001

European Seniors Tour event - an occa-sion Gibbons would like to repeat.

He said: �We were more thansurprised by the number we had comethrough the gates for the Seniors� eventin 2001. It�s hard to quantify theeconomic benefits but you get a lot ofglobal publicity.

�Ballesteros and Langer will becoming on to the tour so it will get evenmore attention. It does have benefits -people think of the Irish Open and theythink of Druid�s Glen; mention theEuropean Open and people think of theK Club.

�You do get associated with anevent and you do get people coming toplay because of it.�

Whatever the two courses atPowerscourt become associated with, itseems you can guarantee it will be asuccess. It must be the luck of theIrish...

�BALLESTEROS AND LANGER WILL BE COMING ON TO THE TOUR

SO IT WILL GET EVEN MORE ATTENTION. IT DOES HAVE BENEFITS -

PEOPLE THINK OF THE IRISH OPEN AND THEY THINK OF DRUID�S

GLEN; MENTION THE EUROPEAN OPEN AND PEOPLE THINK OF THE

K CLUB. YOU DO GET ASSOCIATED WITH AN EVENT AND YOU

DO GET PEOPLE COMING TO PLAY BECAUSE OF IT.�

The Life of Crime

SPECIAL REPORT

Acrime spree in Surrey andthe Home Counties on anunprecedented scale hascost golf clubs and profes-

sionals close to £1m in stolen stock thissummer.

That figure may have risen by thetime you read this. While courtproceedings against three allegedthieves began in August, SurreyPolice�s senior crimes team continue todevote all their resources to bringingmore villains to justice.

The robberies have had such animpact, particularly in Surrey where rich

pickings are to behad, that renewedsecurity measureshave been put intoplace.

There have been reports of at leastfour professionals quitting the gamebecause repeated losses have left themwithout insurance cover.

Some victims have tried sleeping intheir shops in the hope of scaring ramraiders off. Others have bricked-upwindows on their premises but nothingso far has kept the robbers out.AudaciousThe most audacious haul was the hold-upat gunpoint of a Callaways pantechniconcontaining an estimated £500,000 worthof top of the range goods just outsideLeatherhead. The driver was flaggeddown and, on stopping, found himselflooking down the barrel of a gun.

Among the stolen items were awhole range of best-selling Odyssey 2-Ball putters each with retail prices of

£149 and £139 for respective models.The vehicle was later found burnt

out to eliminate any DNA trace.In the vast majority of

cases the method follows aset pattern. A stolen vehicle

is used to smash a way intothe shop or tear the metal shutters

off in the small hours of the morningand well before a police response.

Only the best equipment and design-er clothing is stolen and often trans-ferred to a getaway car. One policesuccess was at Blackmore on theSurrey-Hampshire border.

When the gang arrived they wereambushed by a police helicopter andhalf a dozen squad cars and taken intocustody. This was a notable coup by amulti-task force between the regions.

It is thought there are a number ofgangs operating in the Thames Valley,Surrey, Hampshire and Sussex. High-profile Sunningdale at Ascot were notso lucky as Blackmore when £30,000worth of goods was stolen in June,Intruders favour wearing balaclavas andsometimes Ku Klux Klan-type masks tofrustrate security cameras.

Often a spying mission is carried outin advance of a raid. At HaywardsHeath in Sussex the scout enteredMichael Henning�s well-stocked shopand had time to apply cleartape over thealarm detector system.

When his team struck in the earlyhours the wooden wall of the shop wascut through and goods valued at £35,676removed in a matter of minutes.Residential staff heard nothing.

At Milford near Godalming, £15,000of equipment was found to be missingafter a pre-dawn raid when the shopdoors and shutters were forced with acrowbar. The means of entry at Pyfordnear Woking was different insofar thatthe raiders smashed the windows.

Then the shutters were wrenchedfrom the brackets by a tow ropeattached to a car. !

Theft and break-ins at pro shops is on the increase, and the situation appears to be un-relenting. In this special report, John Vinicombe talks to some of the victims, the policeand the insurance companies who are all battling to reduce the risks.



Windlesham, also in Surrey, lost£100,000 of stock in three separateraids. Returning to the scene of thecrime is nothing new. Since HaywardsHeath was broken into there was afailed attempt at a repeat performance.

In the case of Windlesham the shopwindows have been sealed with bricksand extra shutters fitted elsewhere.Other clubs figuring on the hit listinclude The Drift, Effingham,Hoebridge, West Hill, Woking,Kingswood, Walton Heath, Royal Ascot,Merrist Wood and Rowlands Castle.

Assuredly there are others but clubsand professionals who stock their ownshops are reluctant to admit they havebeen hit.

Peter Ward, South Region secretaryof the PGA, hears the tales of woe alltoo often: �There is no limit to thenerve of these criminals. Sooner, ratherthan later, somebody is going to get hurtby an intruder. Quite apart from thegang raids there are any number ofthieves acting alone.

�At one club in Hampshire a manturned up saying he was there to meet afriend. When that person didn�t show,the man asked if anybody wanted agame. He later had lunch and thenjemmied the locker room. Clubs mustlearn to be more vigilant and on thelook out all the time for people dressedfor golf but with ulterior motives.

�One give away is a person sittingalone in a car. But, on a grand scale,there has never been so many in thisregion. The reason is not hard to find.It is an affluent area and the shops arefull of high-priced clubs and clothing.�

Peter Ward says a major problem isinsurance. �The premiums keep going upand up and, in some cases, it is becom-ing more difficult to obtain cover. I haveheard of some professionals unable toget insurance because of repeated theftsand they are considered bad risks.

�The majority of professionals stocktheir own shops but I know of four whohave left the game. The professional atWest Byfleet took to sleeping in hisshop as so many clubs in the area werebeing robbed.

�I have been co-operating with thepolice and they are satisfied at the pres-ent with the success rate, but an awfullot of stuff will never be recovered.�

Where did Ward think the stolenproperty ends up? �I think most of thestuff is stolen to order. There is a readymarket in this country for the mostexpensive items. I don�t think it goesabroad. Golf clubs are most vulnerableby virtue of remote locations and Surreyhas been hit harder than any other county.Pubs�The thieves shift the stuff inside 24hours and often it is flogged off in dealsmade in pubs. They know exactly whatthey are after and act on word of mouth.Another outlet, but on a smaller scale,are boot sales. But pubs is where themain business is transacted. These area mecca for thieves getting rid of stolengoods at nowhere near the retail price.

�One trouble is that the club shop islike a jewellers - the very display istempting. Why not put the expensivegear in a secure part of the premises?Really, professionals and clubs must re-think their security. Shops that arebuilt-in as part of the clubhouse aremore secure than separate buildings.�

The laws of the land don�t help. Isuggested to Peter Ward that clubs inthe UK should take a leaf out of thepractice in Europe. At a private club inLille I was introduced to the caddiemaster (a rapidly disappearing breed inBritain) and he ran through the securityarrangements.

A 24 hours patrol of ex-Legionnaires covered the entire areaaccompanied by Dobermans. Anyintruder was summarily dealt with andno questions asked.

�I�ve not heard of dogs being usedin this country,� said Ward. �If some-body was bitten that would create freshproblems. We do live in a societywhereby the perpetrator receives moreconsideration than the victim; TonyMartin, for instance.�

Surrey police would not be drawnon this particular issue. Neither couldthey comment specifically about thecrime wave on their patch because of

ongoing investigations and judicialproceedings. But I was given thefollowing statement:

�The offences have been reportedacross Surrey, Hampshire, ThamesValley and Sussex police areas. Themajority of burglaries in Surrey were inthe north west Surrey area with someclubs suffering twice.

�The burglaries all followed a simi-lar method where a stolen vehiclewould be used to smash through thewindows of selected golf clubs in theearly hours of the morning.

�A haul of high value golf clubs andoften a small amount of clothing werethen loaded into the vehicles and stolen.Golf clubs and golf wear with an esti-mated value of £250,000 has beenstolen from Surrey alone, much ofwhich is unidentifiable.�

DC Will Tharby, from SurreyPolice�s Serious Crime Team, said:�We have undertaken a very thoroughinvestigation into this series of burgla-ries. The inquiry is continuing and wewould like to hear from anyone who hasbeen offered any goods of this nature orwho has information that would help.�TowergateBreak-ins at pro shops have zoomedthis year to an unprecedented levelaccording to Barry Gibbs, managingdirector of Towergate Leisure Under-writing, the leading UK provider of golfinsurance.

Close on 1,000 claims have alreadybeen received up until the middle ofOctober, 2003.

�I have paid more claims thannormal this year,� said Gibbs. �It hasgot so bad that I have stopped offeringcover for stand alone pro shops. I havebeen in the business for the best part often years and have never known somany claims resulting from the escala-tion of robberies.�

In Gibbs� view the outlets for stolengoods is both at home and abroad andhe posed the question: �I wonder howmany pros realise that they might beselling �new� stock that has, in fact,been stolen?�


Gibbs says the prevailing crimewave is on a national scale and notconfined to the South East and HomeCounties. At a club in Essex, robbersremoved the bollards outside the proshop with sledgehammers and drove atransit van through the front door andmade off with the goods.

�They did more damage with thesledgehammers in terms of cost than thevalue of the stolen property,� saidGibbs.

Three raids with losses eachtotalling £30,000 were made on a clubshop in Norfolk. A mobile phone foundon the scene traced the midnight callersto Liverpool.DeterrentWhat is the best deterrent? �Steel shut-ters over the windows do put a lot ofthieves off but there are those who willstop at nothing.

�Premium rates have increased in allsectors over the last two years and thesports and leisure industry is no excep-tion. As a result it has become increas-ingly important for clubs to ensure thatthey are giving themselves the bestchance of obtaining appropriate, afford-able cover.�

Gibbs confirmed that to cover costsand restore profitability, insurers havehad to make some hard decisions andpulled out of some areas of business.Insurers are increasingly looking forevidence that loss prevention proce-

dures are in place and that clubs candemonstrate that they are keen tominimise accidents and incidents.Vulnerable�But in the face of determined attackswith heavy demolition equipment proshops in particular remain terriblyvulnerable targets and there are fearsthat, before long, not only structuraldamage and theft is entered on thecrime sheet but somebody is going toget badly hurt,� concluded Gibbs.

Marsh Sports Group of TunbridgeWells specialises in golf insurance andJo Williams, the marketing manager,confirms the steep increase in claimsfrom clubs in the South East and HomeCounties over the last six months.

�There does appear to have been anincrease in theft claims from golf shopsin the region. In terms of declininginsurance cover for shops with a poorclaims record, we would say that theinsurers we deal with impose maximumstandards of security which a pro shopmust have in place before cover is takenout. If these standards are not adheredto then an insurer will decline cover.

�If a shop has a bad loss ratio/trackrecord of claims, an insurer may imposean increased theft excess or evenexclude theft cover altogether.�

While the spate of thefts follow acrude wham-bam-in-and-out style, therehave been instances of more cunningoperations.

One famous club in Surrey had nocause to suspect the arrival of a largefurniture van bearing the name of awell-known company and two men inwhite coats. They were in the removalbusiness right enough as the entirecontents of the locker room disappeared.

Another trick is for a Rolls-Royce tobe hired for the day. The Roller purrsinto the car park and soon the commodi-ous boot is full of selected items.

And among the most audaciousthefts was many years ago when thelead was stolen from the roof of theEden course clubhouse at St Andrewsof all places.

The police themselves were victimswhen eight officers from the Kent forceplayed a match at Lamberhurst. Afterthe golf they enjoyed the hospitality forwhich the club is associated but of theirclubs there was no sign...

The law and golf clubs can takesome very strange turns. This year fivetravellers were awarded £1,000 eachafter being barred from playing atDungannon GC allegedly because theywere itinerants.

They had originally played on thecourse with people from outside theircommunity, but on returning unaccom-panied they were asked to leave. Theircase was taken to a county court underthe Race Relations (Northern Ireland)Order before the club issued an apologyand admitted its guilt.

Bury St Edmunds Golf Club,often referred to as �a realgem of a golf course� in thecharming market town of

Bury St Edmunds, has recentlyenlisted the help of CraftsmanQuality Lockers to completelyrefurbish its Clubhouse chang-ing rooms.

The unique aspect of thisinstallation is that it involvesCraftsman�s full design and build�turnkey package�. ServiceIn addition to supplying changing roomfurniture, Craftsman also offers a serv-ice whereby it carries out the design,associated building works and theinstallation of lockers and furniture forchanging rooms on behalf of its clients.

This means that the client only hasto deal with one supplier throughout theproject.

The changing room area at Bury StEdmunds Golf Club, which had notbeen refurbished since the 1980s, nolonger catered for the needs of themodern golfer, nor did they representthe style and quality at the rest of theClub.

Extensive structural work wasrequired to ensure that space could bemaximised in order to improvemembers� overall experience whenvisiting the club.

Since the refurbishment, the men�schanging room area now features 100traditional light oak lockers. A varietyof single golf and holdall lockers, and aselection of vanity units and wardrobeswere installed, ensuring that the chang-ing area has become a spacious andrelaxing environment.

Previously, the shower area wascramped and poorly lit, however, thearea is now bright and well ventilated.

In addition, female members at theclub have their own private shower andchanging room area, which includes 50light oak lockers that match the rest ofthe Clubhouse.

Reactions from the club�s 750members have been extremely positive,who agree that the changing room arealooks as if it has been transformed intothe 21st Century.

�The results of our changing roomrefurbishment have been almost univer-sally praised by our members and visi-tors and should stand the club well formany years,� commented Jim Cole,chairman of Bury St Edmunds Golf Club

�Additionally, I believe we shouldcongratulate Craftsman, whose teamwas a pleasure to work with, fulfillingall they promised and more.

�Craftsman made the potentiallyfraught relationship between a membersclub and the real world work verysuccessfully. Given one�s usual experi-ence with building projects, this maywell be a unique statement!�


Firm Focus

COMPANY PROFILE

Craftsman finish aReal Gem of a project

Craftsman Quality LockersAlington RoadLittle BarfordSt NeotsCambridgeshire PE19 6WE

tel: 01480 405396fax: 01480 470196www.craftsman-quality-lockers.co.uk

�THE RESULTS OF OUR CHANGING ROOM REFURBISHMENT HAVE

BEEN ALMOST UNIVERSALLY PRAISED BY OUR MEMBERS AND

VISITORS AND SHOULD STAND THE CLUB WELL FOR MANY YEARS.�

Resorting to Golf

OPINION


Ask any golf course architector indeed anyone else in thegolf and leisure develop-ment business what is very

often the biggest obstacle facing golfresort developers, and invariably theanswer will be a shortfall in funding, oran inability to raise the necessary fund-ing to get a project started.

Potentially, many good projects,ones that are well located and havecommercial potential, never come tofruition because their promoters eitherdidn�t have the financial resourcesthemselves or didn�t have a strong teamof people around them.

In some cases the time and costinvolved in searching out sources ofprospective funding will drain a well-intentioned promoter�s own financialresources before the development canget off the ground.

It is a plain and simple fact that veryfew projects can ever achieve commer-cial success - in any sector of themarket - without the necessary fundingin place from the start; sufficient fund-ing to carry out the construction, pre-opening and early business phases - andwith some contingency available forunexpected costs.

It is therefore no coincidence thatmost new resort developments are head-ed either by high worth individuals,consortia or companies alreadyinvolved, in some form, in the property,hotel or tourism industry.

That said, the global golf market isvery diverse, there is a market foreverything from the exclusive high costdevelopments down to the much small-er, lower cost versions that can bringnew people into golf or provide acompetitively priced tourist facility.

There are many landowners aroundthe world who have well located landthat could be developed into golf andleisure facilities catering for differentsectors of the market if they had theresources to carry out such projects. ResourcesResources not being just financial butalso knowledge, support and advicefrom competent professionals. Thereare also many prospective developersaround the world, who, if they hadbetter access to the necessary resources,have the vision and desire to enter themarket.

In the emerging golf destinations ofthe world, in countries where golf relat-ed development is only now beingdiscovered for its social and economicbenefits, the challenges facing prospec-tive developers are even greater thanthey are in countries which alreadyhave a mature or a maturing market.

In many of these countries the homeeconomies may mean that investment ingolf related development is far beyondthe reach of any individual or company,in other countries the political complex-ities surrounding land ownership can bedaunting and stifling.

Ireland based golf, leisure andtourism consultancy GreenScape hasbeen involved in the industry for manyyears. Principal Roger Jones haswatched the industry evolve, seen ittravel through countries and continents,and seen the ups and downs in differentcountries and in different regions.

�Over the years we have beeninvolved in many projects of differingsize and type,� said Jones. �No differentthan other consultancies around theworld, GreenScape has also had manymore projects that have never come tofruition in spite of their location or thedesires of their promoters.

�We believe that if the time has notalready arrived, the industry is about toenter another period of widescaleexpansion. The difference now is thatthis is expansion will be on a widergeographical scale.

�Developments are being and willbe undertaken not just in the familiarlocations of western Europe but also incountries that currently have a tourismindustry and now realise the higherspending potential of golfers.

�This includes countries that havebegun to develop their tourism industryand want golf related development tobecome an integral part of that market.The model of creating a residentialcommunity around golf and leisurefacilities is one that continues to attractproperty developers as much as itattracts property purchasers.

Golf and Resort development appears to be a major factor within the golf market today.Roger Jones, principal of Roger Jones Golf Design and a member of the golf, leisure andtourism consultancy GreenScape discusses the topic.


�The industry has also matured. Inthe early 1990s, in many countriesthroughout Europe, we had a situationwhere golf related developments werebeing built without sufficient attentionto location, standards, strategy and thecommercial realities involved with such.

�Nowadays most projects are betterplanned in every sense of the word andthe valuable contribution made byprofessional consultants in many disci-plines is now realised.

�A number of countries, and devel-opers from these countries, particularlythose falling into the country categoriesreferred to above, have been endeavour-ing to realise their development plansfor some years now.

�They have found it much moredifficult than they probably ever expect-ed. They therefore need assistance inmany different ways. But sometimesthis necessary assistance may only beavailable at too high a price.

�We have been analysing this situa-tion for some time and discussed it withother businesses in the industry, posingthe question of how best to assist devel-opers realise their projects, particularlyin countries looking to establish orrelaunch their tourism industries.

�This has culminated in us forminga partnership with a number of otherbusinesses in the golf resort develop-ment arena. The partnership is nowlooking to participate in golf resortdevelopments on a part fee part equitybasis or a purely equity basis.

�The development partnership canprovide expertise and a broad range ofservices, including golf course designand construction, marketing, manage-ment and consultancy in return for

equity shares in the development. Alimited amount of investment capitalcan also be provided in the rightcircumstances.�InterestJones strongly believes that thisapproach to resort development will beof particular interest to landowners,development companies, investors, hotelgroups and others who are seeking jointventures for current or future project.

Jones continued: �We have beenlooking at this strategy for a long timenow. A lot has changed geographically,economically and politically in recentyears and although this has providedmany new opportunities for all of us,we believe that a more pro-active isapproach is needed.

�In some countries, years afterstrategic plans were announced andeven incentives offered by govern-ments, these countries still don�t havethe facilities they would like.

�Other countries are going toencounter the same difficulties ormaybe find it even harder. There willalways be fully funded high profileprojects in every country and these areso important in setting the standardsthat other aspire to.

�We have not just become charityworkers and we haven�t found abottomless pot of money. What we aredoing is taking a longer term view ofour businesses.

�As a result of this long-term strate-gy we are not expecting to becomelarge scale golf resort owners but as agroup we have a very strong pool ofskills that we can put to good use work-ing with, not just for, developers anddeveloping �golf countries��, addedJones.Influence�In the future, I believe we can be seenas having been an important influencein the further progression of the golf,leisure and tourism industry in manycountries�.

�AS A RESULT OF THIS STRATEGY WE ARE NOT EXPECTING TO BECOME LARGE SCALE GOLF RESORT

OWNERS BUT AS A GROUP WE HAVE A VERY STRONG POOL OF SKILLS THAT WE CAN PUT TO GOOD USE�

GreenScape Consulting“Putting together the pieces of

golf, tourism and leisure”

Golf Course DesignGolf Marketing and ManagementLeisure and Tourism Consultancy

Marketing and Management ServicesInternet Marketing

GreenScape provides development and consultancyservices to businesses and individuals in the golf,leisure and tourism industry throughout Ireland,

Europe and the Middle East.

Ardaneanig, Killarney, Co Kerry, IrelandTel: +353 (0)87 684 [email protected]


Portfolio

01480 226800

Toro demonstrates careToro turf equipment distributor Lelyhas brought in major enhancementsto its field demonstration service aspart of a series of initiatives aimedat making Toro the industry’s No 1for customer care. A new specialistdepartment has been created in its

own right, with a dedicated,enlarged team of demonstrators,

technicians and other support staff.

01530 511150

Tip top monitors from SecureA new, slimline touch monitor for

retail environments has been intro-duced by Secure Retail, offering

outstanding performance. Followingits agreement with 3M, Flint is

offering the MicroTouchTM FPD 15inch slim LCD monitor as an attrac-

tive, compact and intuitive userinterface for retail counter environ-ments, in a minimal size enclosure.

01797 320636

Voyager of DiscoveryThe new Voyager BT is a wireless,

laser barcode scanner designed forlow-to-medium throughput POS

where the convenience of a wireless,hand-held scanner is important.Voyager’s futuristic design offers

convenience and freedom of mobility by incorporating Bluetooth

wireless technology together withthe patented Codegate feature

01473 270000

Graduating with HonoursSix groundsmen at the University ofSheffield have successfully complet-

ed the LANTRA certificate in basicoperator training, thanks to the

expert tuition provided by RansomesJacobsen’s Glen Sawyer. The

University recently purchased arange of equipment from the Selby

branch of Ransomes Jacobsen,including a Jacobsen T-Plex 185.

01296 614600

Printing on the SpotA portable printer equipped with aBluetooth wireless link that allows

bills and receipts to be printedanywhere in your club has been

launched by Trident Infotec. TheSeiko MPU-L465 can easily commu-nicate with any Bluetooth equipped

device within a range of 10m,providing quick effortless communi-

cation between muliple devices.

01480 226800

Otterbine provides the answerLely UK hopes to capitalise on the

rising use of water features on golfcourses by putting in place a

specialist team that will offer anexpert service to customers.

0Pennsylvania-based Otterbine-Barebo, is the worldwide leader forwater aeration systems, fountains

and other associated products with300 distributors around the globe.

0141 814 3366

American Golf Away DayLaurence Pithie, director of

Maintenance at American Golf UK,together with a group of his golfcourse superintendents from the

south of England, visited theFairways Group head office near

Glasgow recently to evaluate therange of products offered by

specialist manufacturer WiedenmannUK and Sportsground.

01797 320636

Seeing Double with PosiflexPacked with the latest technology,the award-winning Jiva 7000 from

Posiflex really is the state-of-the-artwhen it comes to touch terminals for

the golf industry. Available with a12.1” or 15.1” backlit screen,

Celeron processor of either 566mhzor 1.2Ghz and up to 512mb of RAM,

the Jiva 7000 ships with eitherWindows or Linux operating systems.

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.

gmé | issuu 33

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