2010 Series of GTC-R&A Sustainable Workshops commence

Following on from the successful 2009 series of workshops to promote the Sustainable Golf Course programme six further workshops are underway and Kingsknowe Golf Club, Edinburgh and Enville Golf Club near Stourbridge have proved excellent venues as the first to have taken place in 2010.

Full reports on the workshops will follow but as with last year's workshops the message is clear once again...the Course Manager has to be the "driver" of the Sustainable Golf Course Programme and communication as well as sound agronomic knowledge is arguably the most crucial aspect of engaging the membership and committee/owner.

At all workshops to date employer representatives have paid tribute to the dedication, competence and commitment to their Course Manager to introduce a realistic Sustainable programme.

I will also add that Course Managers involved in a Sustainable programme of maintenance and management also have in place a "support team" of specialists, which can range from local environment/wildlife officers, agronomists, management (communication) consultant, trade representatives and the growing band of Gingerbread disciples....

Today's Course Managers have no reason to operate in isolation or implement a Sustainable programme as modern technology and an effective internal communication system, are highlighted as a must during the workshops.

More updates to follow:

Although the workshops are by invitation only and the primary objective is to strengthen the partnership between the GTC and the staff at its Approved Centres if you would like to attend one of the remaining workshops please contact us now on:

Tel: 01347 838640 Email: fiona@the-gtc.co.uk

Easingwold GC north of York - Wednesday 9th June

Minchinhampton GC - Thursday 17th June

Tyrrells Wood GC - Thursday 24th June

Lymm GC - Tuesday 29th June

All workshops commence at 10am

The moisture monitor created much debate and is tipped to become a tool that every Course Manager should have in his/her armoury.......

Another 'tool', which every greenkeeper should have, according to John Handley (ALS), is a x10 - x12 hand lens that is a must to assist with identification of grasses.

John's obvious statement of 'how can any Course Manager at a golf club embark on a sward exchange programme without knowing what grasses they currently have?'  A simple statement but food for thought for all of us?

David F. Golding

GTC Education Director

June 2010

_{Steve Dixon, Course Manager at Kingsknowe Golf Club explains to delegates how even reconstructed greens still need to be monitored and intensively aerated to keep thatch down to a minimum.}

_{Andy Cole, STRI Agronomist demonstrates the various 'measurement tools' at Enville Golf Course under the watchful eye of the host Course Manager, Jonathan Wood and delegates.}