FineGolf's 'Running-Golf Day' a success
FineGolf's 'Running-Golf Day' partnered with Notts GC, Hollinwell attracted some 100 participants, 75% of which were greenkeepers, members of green committees or golf club officials from mostly inland courses across the UK, plus a German attendee.
FineGolf's Lorne Smith
Messages of support were read out from Sir Michael Bonallack, Donald Steel, Alistair Beggs (STRI's leading agronomist) and Ted Dexter CBE, while Lorne elaborated on FineGolf's mission and the day's theme of the need for appropriate technical advice and visionary communication if greenkeepers are to take their courses through the change to fine surfaces.
CLICK HERE to see YouTube Video of his introduction to the day.
Gordon Irvine MG (who some call Jim Arthur's heir) spoke first and, in his usual honest, plain-spoken and persuasive way, gave clarity to traditional greenkeeping methods. He pointed out that when fairways are fescue and greens Poa, it is a management rather than an environment issue. He considers the approaches to greens are almost more important than greens.
He explained how nobody, particularly golf's leading organisations in GB&I, has any excuse for not having been warned about the need to prepare for the likely withdrawal of the unsustainable chemicals that are essential for the survival of annual meadow grass (Poa annua).
Left: The R&A's Steve Isaac and right: Mick Grindle, Notts GC Hollinwell
Steve Isaac, R&A Director, quoting Jim Arthur from his book 'Practical Greenkeeping' (available from The R&A's online shop) showed how so relevant Arthur's ideas continue to be in helping today's courses achieve the key performance indicator of firmness and trueness of surfaces all year round.
CLICK HERE to see YouTube Video of his talk.
Mick Grindle went into detail about how Notts GC Hollinwell have taken their members with them on the direction of travel to the creation of a firm running heathland, tournament standard, championship course and how transparency with the membership is so important.
CLICK HERE to see YouTube Video of his talk.
John Philp MBE, the hero of Carnoustie and the most respected fine grass greenkeeper in Europe, brought all of his experience to talk about the importance of the running game to the successful future of golf.
CLICK HERE to see YouTube Video of his talk.
Left: John Philp MBE
The day was a wonderful opportunity to show how key Sustainability (low inputs and lower costs) is in today's greenkeeping and offers the way forward for golf courses to provide the finest performance surfaces for golfers.
FineGolf is most thankful to the sponsors of the Day, all heavy investors in research into practical sustainability, for their support and involvement.