Golf Range News Sept 2007.pdf - Global Ranges

GOLF RANGE NEWS 

GRN 

September 2007 

Featuring: 

Parklands Golf Centre 

Jeff Howes Golf Design 

Suffolk Golf & Water Park 

Grasscare 

PowerLines 

GCMA Conference 

TP Golf Centre 

N1 Golf Tuition 

Business Opportunities 

OGRO 

TurfMech 

Organisation of Golf Range Owners 

Learn to Play in May 

The Magazine for the Range Industry 

www.golfrangenews.org

Complete 

mat from 

£ 245! 

Call European Golf Machinery on 01473 659815 

www.fiberbuilt.com or e-mail us at info@fiberbuilt.com 

also available from European Golf Machinery 01473 659815

golf range news • golf range news • golf range news • golf range news 

CONTENTS 

Parklands Golf Centre - 4 

Jeff Howes Golf Design - 14 

Suffolk Golf & Water Park - 16 

Grass Care - 24 

PowerLineS - 30 

GCMA Conference - 32 

TP Golf Centre - 35 

N1 Golf - 36 

Business Opportunities - 40 

OGRO News - 42 

TurfMech - 46 

News - 48 

Classifieds - 56 

Cover Photo: Parklands Golf Centre, Newcastle. 

Golf Range News - is the monthly magazine for the range industry in the UK 

and Europe. GRN is delivered free of charge to all golf ranges, centres and clubs 

with practice grounds throughout the UK and current and back issues are 

available to download in PDF format view via the website: 

www.golfrangenews.org. If you would like details of advertising rates or 

subscriptions please contact the office. 

The Organisation of Golf Range Owners - was founded in 2002 to 

serve the interests of range owners and operators in the UK and Europe. OGRO 

enhances communication within the industry, through GRN, and by holding 

conferences and seminars. OGRO’s fifth annual Conference and Exhibition was 

held at the Ramada Jarvis in Maidstone on 29th March 2007. OGRO has also 

developed a number of strategic partnerships with major manufacturers and 

suppliers that deliver added value and savings for OGRO members. The new 

OGRO Premium Membership is great value - see the OGRO pages in GRN, or 

contact Rohan Barnett, details are also available online at: www.ogro.org. 

Learn to Play Golf - is our golf development arm. The aim is to create more 

golfers and increase business for ranges and centres. Current schemes include 

Learn to Play in May offering free golf tuition during May, supported by the PGA, 

don’t mis this opportunity in 2008. Brand your range as a Learn to Play Golf 

Centre and find more new golfers. 

Golf Range Finder - www.golfrangefinder.co.uk is the GRN/OGRO website for 

members of the public looking for a golf range. Listing is free so make sure that 

your range is listed and details are up to date. The site has been upgraded by 

Ocean Design. Join OGRO as a Premium Member and get a free upgrade, 

Editor Colin Jenkins PGA 

Production Rohan Barnett MSc 

Golf Development & Advertising Marion Nightingale 

Membership Simon Kelly 

Website ocean-design.co.uk 

Printed by Hastings Printing Company Ltd. - 01424 720477 

Published by Golf Range News Ltd. 

© Golf Range News Ltd. 

Golf Range News 

Colin Jenkins PGA 

Editor 

Tel +44 (0)1580 715248 

colin@golfrangenews.org 

www.golfrangenews.org 

Organisation of Golf Range Owners 

Organisation of 

Golf Range Owners 

Rohan Barnett MSc 

Managing Director 

Tel +44 (0)1580 715043 

rohan@ogro.org 

www.ogro.org 

Learn to Play Golf 

Marion Nightingale 

Golf Development 

Tel +44 (0)1580 715043 

marion@learntoplayinmay.com 

Polmood 

Sissinghurst 

Kent TN17 2AJ 

United Kingdom 

Fax +44 (0)1580 714516 


1


GRN 

“This is an exciting opportunity for everyone at 

Sharpes Leisure Ltd. We have much work to do 

in the coming weeks, but would like to assure 

our customers that we will continue to offer 

exceptional service and products to the industry 

and look forward to explaining the new 


company’s structure and positioning in the very 

near future.” 

Seoul Nassau, the largest golf range supply 

company in the UK and Europe have gone into 

administration, which is a function of the 

management buyout by Sharpes Leisure Ltd. 

Sharpes Leisure Ltd, which has interests in 

fishing and other leisure products have acquired 

all the assets of Seoul Nassau and are 

continuing to trade from the existing premises in 

Saltley, Birmingham with the existing staff and 

management. Obviously this is a big story for 

the range industry and we will be covering it in 

full in the coming months. Scott Lucas, Sales 

Director of Sharpes Leisure Ltd made the 

following comment to GRN: 

Consulting 

For advice on all aspects of the range industry 


phone: +44 (0)1580 715248 

fax: +44 (0)1580 714516 

email: colin@golfconsult.co.uk 

www. golfconsult.co.uk 

2 +44 (0)1580 715248 

The Golf Range News website; 

www.golfrangenews.org has been completely 

revamped by Ocean Design. You will now be 

able to see the previous month’s issues on the 

website in PDF format and the whole site has 

been comprehensively overhauled to better meet 

the needs of the modern world. Please log on, 

have a look and send us your comments. We 

hope you enjoy using the new look site. 

Best wishes Colin Jenkins 

New builds 

Refurbishment 

Health & Safety 

Feasibility


GRN 

“This is an exciting opportunity for everyone at 

Sharpes Leisure Ltd. We have much work to do 

in the coming weeks, but would like to assure 

our customers that we will continue to offer 

exceptional service and products to the industry 

and look forward to explaining the new 


company’s structure and positioning in the very 

near future.” 

Seoul Nassau, the largest golf range supply 

company in the UK and Europe have gone into 

administration, which is a function of the 

management buyout by Sharpes Leisure Ltd. 

Sharpes Leisure Ltd, which has interests in 

fishing and other leisure products have acquired 

all the assets of Seoul Nassau and are 

continuing to trade from the existing premises in 

Saltley, Birmingham with the existing staff and 

management. Obviously this is a big story for 

the range industry and we will be covering it in 

full in the coming months. Scott Lucas, Sales 

Director of Sharpes Leisure Ltd made the 

following comment to GRN: 

Consulting 



phone: +44 (0)1580 715248 

fax: +44 (0)1580 714516 

email: colin@golfconsult.co.uk 


2 +44 (0)1580 715248 

The Golf Range News website; 

www.golfrangenews.org has been completely 

revamped by Ocean Design. You will now be 

able to see the previous month’s issues on the 

website in PDF format and the whole site has 

been comprehensively overhauled to better meet 

the needs of the modern world. Please log on, 

have a look and send us your comments. We 

hope you enjoy using the new look site. 

Best wishes Colin Jenkins 

New builds 

Refurbishment 


Feasibility


When John Jacobs opened his golf centre at Newcastle 

Race Course in 1966, it was an instant success. 

A very busy range shop and bar coupled with a 

first class 9-hole course(which was later 

expanded to 18) – the centre had everything 

needed to bring golf to a wider audience in the 

North East. Now, over 40 years later, the centre 

has been comprehensively revamped to meet the 

needs of the 21st century. 

Northern Racing, who own several major 

racecourses, run the whole golf operation at 

Parklands and lease the land for the 

4 +44 (0)1580 715248 

Northumberland Golf Club, which is also within 

the Gosforth Park parcel. They had been led for 

years by their inspirational founder Sir Stanley 

Clarke, who died a couple of years ago. The 

brand took much advice and then began 

implementing the major changes that have now 

come into being. 

The old two-tier range structure of 45 bays 

has been replaced with 28 bays on one floor, with 

two of these bays being devoted to fitting and


specialist teaching. Parklands is a dedicated Ping 

authorized fitting centre and uses one of the bays 

for fittings. and another major manufacturer is 

being finalised shortly. 

The range has always been very busy, so it 

was important for Northern Racing to keep the 

range open throughout the rebuilding process. 

Half of the building was demolished and the new 

structure built, then, when this was opened, the 

second half of the old building was removed and 

Fact File 

Opening times 8.30am – 9.30pm 

No. of bays 28 bays 

Bay dimensions 3.5m x 6.5m x 4m 

Range dimensions 300yards x 180 yards 

Ball Prices £5 for 100 balls 

£3 for 50 

£1 for 15 

Happy hour Not yet, but under 

consideration 

Mats Seoul Nassau 

Balls Srixon one-piece 

Dispenser Seoul Nassau 

Ball collector Seoul Nassau 

Grasscare & Ball 

collection 

In house team 

Fencing None 

Teaching Service 4 PGA professionals 

Flooring Carpet 

Bay heaters No 

Sponsored bays Not yet 

Average Balls Very busy 

Targets Distance markers and target 

greens 

Special features 18-hole Harris Miniature golf 

course, short game area, 

discount shop, clubhouse 

facilities, function room and 18 

hole course. 

the new range completed. 

Global Ranges were chosen to rebuild the 

range and GRN spoke with Global principal Paul 

Dubrow: 

“The project was more difficult than a new build 

as we had to work around the continuing 

operation of the range. This was a challenge, 

which needed additional safety precautions, so the 

project obviously took longer than a 


5


straightforward rebuild. We are delighted with the 

way the range has turned out and Parklands has 

been able to continue to trade throughout, which, 

despite some obvious disruption has been a major 

advantage for them. We were also able to improve 

the angle of the bays in relation to the range, so 

ball escape issues were minimised and also all the 

bays now look squarely at the range targets.” 

Andrew Mair had been the managing director at 

Parklands for over ten years from late eighties. Still 

based in Newcastle, Andrew has become a golf 

course architect and has worked on several major 

projects including the Forest of Arden where he 

was director of golf in the late seventies. Andrew 

and his business partner ex-Ryder cup captain 

Mark James were appointed by Northern Racing to 

put together the master plan for the redevelopment 

of Parklands. GRN spoke to Andrew: 

“I have strong feelings for Parklands, having 

worked there for so long, so it was a great 

6 +44 (0)1580 715248 

Above: The beautifully appointed new retail space. 

pleasure to help engineer the master plan for the 

new range, Harris Miniature Golf Course whilst 

ensuring that the new facilities best met the needs 

of both golfers and the commercial interests of our 

clients. Despite difficult weather conditions, Global 

Ranges and Harris Miniature Golf have worked 

superbly with the Parklands management to 

ensure minimum disruption and maximum quality. 

We have also completely remodelled the range 

outfield and the new drainage system and target 

greens will improve the golfers’ range experience, 

whilst greatly improving efficiency for ball 

collection and green keeping.” 

Gary Shipley joined Northern Racing from 

Whitley Bay Golf Club, where he was the PGA 

professional for 13years. He has co-ordinated the 

new project and now has a first class golf centre 

to drive business forward.

Call to discuss how we can take 

your project from concept to completion 

01732 360484 

www.globalranges.com 

GLOBAL RANGES, CANNON LANE, TONBRIDGE, KENT TN9 1PP 

Global Ranges, sponsors of the 2007 

OGRO Conference and Exhibition


Above: Gary Shipley. 

Below: The ball dispensers. 

“We started the process of refurbishment with a 

major refit for our bar and restaurant area. It was 

quite dated and now has a comfortable, luxurious 

feel, which is ideal for members and visitors to 

relax in before and after their golf. The shop, 

which had been let out, is now back in-house and 

the remodelled area has provided new offices, as 

well as a large modern retail unit. Trade has been 

excellent despite a tough retail climate and we 

are particularly pleased with the new Ping fitting 

studio, which will be fully operational very soon. 

We have a busy teaching team and can now offer 

the full golf experience to all standards of golfer, 

of all ages.” 

The majority of the range equipment for 

Parklands was supplied by Seoul Nassau, now 

known as Sharpes Leisure Ltd. They provided the 

latest E – Range management system, which 

works with the ball dispenser to supply members 

discounts and a re-chargeable account system, 

8 +44 (0)1580 715248 

contained on an electronic key ring. This is 

convenient to both range user and the 

management. The data generated can be easily 

viewed by the range operator, who can then see 

when the range is at its busiest and set special 

offers and promotions accordingly. The new ball 

dispensers are completely wireless, so do not 

require any long cable runs etc. The system also 

operates a PIN code, similar to a car wash, so that 

there is no cash used at the ball dispenser. GRN 

spoke with Danny Lee from Sharpes Leisure Ltd:


Above: Gary Shipley. 

Below: The ball dispensers. 

“We started the process of refurbishment with a 

major refit for our bar and restaurant area. It was 

quite dated and now has a comfortable, luxurious 

feel, which is ideal for members and visitors to 

relax in before and after their golf. The shop, 

which had been let out, is now back in-house and 

the remodelled area has provided new offices, as 

well as a large modern retail unit. Trade has been 

excellent despite a tough retail climate and we 

are particularly pleased with the new Ping fitting 

studio, which will be fully operational very soon. 

We have a busy teaching team and can now offer 

the full golf experience to all standards of golfer, 

of all ages.” 

The majority of the range equipment for 

Parklands was supplied by Seoul Nassau, now 

known as Sharpes Leisure Ltd. They provided the 

latest E – Range management system, which 

works with the ball dispenser to supply members 

discounts and a re-chargeable account system, 

8 +44 (0)1580 715248 

contained on an electronic key ring. This is 

convenient to both range user and the 

management. The data generated can be easily 

viewed by the range operator, who can then see 

when the range is at its busiest and set special 

offers and promotions accordingly. The new ball 

dispensers are completely wireless, so do not 

require any long cable runs etc. The system also 

operates a PIN code, similar to a car wash, so that 

there is no cash used at the ball dispenser. GRN 

spoke with Danny Lee from Sharpes Leisure Ltd:


“With the E - Range system customers can upload 

credit to their account in the pros shop and 

receive additional discounts for bulk purchases 

and the fact that they are a member of the facility. 

The operator can control the rate for each 

customer and also the amount of balls that are 

vended. It operates in a similar way to a card 

system, but the key ring is more convenient, 

always in the customers hand and has the 

advantage of being more robust in its construction 

than a card, which can be damaged more easily.” 

The range has a bountiful supply of yellow Srixon 

one-piece balls, new mats and netted bay dividers. 

It is beautifully carpeted and has a very good 

quality feel throughout. 

One of the boldest decisions with regard to the 

overhaul of Parklands has been the introduction of 

the Harris Miniature Golf Course. Harris, which is 

based in the USA, is an expert at supplying high 

quality miniature golf courses worldwide. The 

attention to detail marks them out from the 

competition and ensures that the customer gets a 

10 +44 (0)1580 715248 

rewarding and enjoyable experience. They have 

carried out hundreds of installations at golf ranges 

in the USA and elsewhere. There are several 

types of miniature golf courses and these range 

wildly in cost and profit generation, but the main 

market is split into two distinct groups – resort 

courses and residential courses. 

Resort courses are aimed at holidaymakers 

who visit a miniature golf development as one of a 

number of activities in a warm climate destination. 

The location of the site is vital for this type of 

course, which will not require as much repeat play 

to be economically viable. Typically, such courses 

will aim at the youth market and contain windmills, 

castles and other more gimmicky features. For 

almost all ranges, this type of miniature golf 

course would fail, as repeat play is a vital 

requirement. Residential miniature golf courses 

Below: Parklands customers are having great fun 

on the top-quality Harris miniature golf course as 

well as finding it a testing challenge of their skill.


are far more involved and tend not to have a 

theme of any sort. Castles and windmills will not 

induce repeat play and soon lose appeal for 

customers. Usually residential courses will have 

undulations, waterfalls and water features that 

interact with the holes, as well as adding to the 

scenery. The courses will also reward skill, so 

players of all golfing standards really enjoy their 

round and therefore want to return. Harris 

specialise in this type of course. GRN spoke with 

Tony Hunnicutt of Harris: 

“The development at Parklands is our second 

miniature golf in the UK, the other being at TopGolf 

Watford. We are very pleased with the job and 

delighted that the course is getting so much play 

already. The course is in an excellent location to 

take advantage of the passing trade and other 

range operators should carefully consider this 

when contemplating a miniature golf course, as it 

can have a massive effect on turnover.” 

Gary Shipley commented: 

12 +44 (0)1580 715248 

Above: Marcus Crowe, age 11, one of Parklands 

juniors, enjoying the range. Martin’s handicap is 27 

and falling fast as the photo suggests! 

“The miniature golf course has really taken off, 

despite not having the best weather this summer. 

The repeat play has been good and during the 

school holidays there is a noticeable increase 

from juniors wishing to progress from miniature 

golf on to the range and the course. The 

miniature golf fits perfectly within our overall 

offering and has had a very positive effect on our 

cash flow. Harris was a very professional outfit to 

deal with and fulfilled all their promises – I’d 

gladly recommend them to other operators.” 

So, Parklands will continue to be a leading golf 

centre in the 21st century. It sometimes takes 

bold vision and courageous decisions to succeed 

in business and the management at Parklands 

deserve congratulations for their efforts.

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JEFF HOWES GOLF DESIGN COMPLETES WO 

ADDITIONAL NEW NINE HOLES AND SHORT 

FOTA ISLAND GOLF RESORT, IRELAND 

Jeff Howes Golf Design has recently completed 

work on an additional new Championship 

standard nine holes and a short Game Academy 

at Fota Island Golf Resort, Cork. The course is 

now open for play and the official opening took 

place 20th August 2007 in combination with a 

European Seniors ProAm. 

The new developments are the latest project 

to be undertaken by Jeff Howes Golf Design at 

14 +44 (0)1580 715248 

Fota Island. The Resort was host to the Irish Open 

in 2001 and 2002, following a re-design of the 

course by Jeff Howes. 

“This new nine hole addition comprises mature 

woodlands and a man?made lake which the 

existing 18 holes blends perfectly with and we are 

confident that in a few years it will be almost 

impossible to tell the difference between the 18


RKS ON 

GAME ACADEMY AT 

hole golf course and the nine hole 

extension. The highlight of the 

extension will probably be the 

7th, where the second shot to the 

green is played over a quarry and 

will be a very enjoyable hole for 

all types of golfers. Overall, this 

nine hole addition will ensure that 

Fota Island will remain one of 

Ireland’s best golf resorts” said Jeff Howes, 

Managing Director of Jeff Howes Golf Design. 

Commenting on the new developments at the 

Resort, resident pro, Kevin Morris said “Like the 

existing course, the additional nine holes are 

demanding but fair, being very well bunkered and 

requiring accurate tee shots and very precise 

approach shots into the greens. In addition the 

short game academy is a tremendous boost to the 

club, allowing players to really sharpen their skills 

from 80 yards in, which is the weakest part of 

everyone’s game, whether they like to admit it or 

not!” 

“I’ve been at Fota for 13 years now and it’s 

wonderful to see how the course has developed 

over that time into one of the top tier courses in 

Ireland.” concluded Kevin Morris. 

The Resort views the additional holes and the 

Academy primarily as an opportunity to increase 

the club’s capacity, providing additional revenue 

streams and greater flexibility for members, hotel 

guests and on?site Lodge owners. 

“Jeff Howes and his team have been instrumental 

in developing Fota into one of Ireland’s best 

regarded courses and we’ve been delighted to 

work with Jeff again, following his highly regarded 

course re-design here in 2000.” said Jonathan 

Woods, General Manager, Fota Island Golf Resort. 


15


SUFFOLK GOLF AND 

WATER PARK 

A Delightful Family Golf Centre Set in 70 acres of Water 

and Wildlife 

Sarah and Roy Woodage own the excellent 

family golf centre – Suffolk Golf and Water 

Park, which is just south of Ipswich in Suffolk. 

The site was originally gravel pits, which were 

mined by RMC Aggregates until the reserves 

were beyond economic recovery. The site was 

then sold to Peter Clapperton, a fishing 

specialist and golf enthusiast who saw the 

potential for a golf centre. Sarah, who still uses 

her maiden name, Wilson, at work, was the 

PGA professional at Colchester Golf Range, 

close to Peter’s home. Conversations turned 

16 +44 (0)1580 715248 

into business plans and a little while later 

Sarah became responsible for building the new 

course, range and running the whole golf 

section of the business, whilst Peter kept the 

fishing side of the complex. Sarah and Roy now 

run the golf entirely themselves. 

The range is well built and positioned. Power 

Tees have improved trade at the range, as has 

the specialist fitting room at the far end of the 

range, which is mirrored at the opposite end 

with a high tech teaching bay. The generous


bays are easily accessed through the 

clubhouse, which contains a large discount 

retail shop and a café-bar, serving 

refreshments of all types and delicious food. 

Sarah has always been a strong retailer and 

found a particular niche selling ladies golf 

equipment and clothing, which complimented 

her teaching skills. Sarah talked to GRN: 

“I have spent my entire career as a golf 

professional and have enjoyed each year more 

and more. Since qualifying I have been able to 

specialise and I naturally found it easy to teach 

other lady golfers, who often felt more 

comfortable having lessons from someone of 

the same sex. At Colchester we stocked a 

Fact File 

Opening times 8.00am – 8.00pm weekends 

9.00-9.00pm week days 

No. of bays 24 bays ( 4 outside) 

Bay dimensions 3m x 6m x 4m 

Range dimensions 300yards x 140 yards 

Ball Prices 30 Balls £2.00 

60 Balls £3.00 

90 Balls £4.00 

Happy hour 

120 Balls £5.00 

And Loyalty Card Scheme 

Yes, 9-11am M-F 

Mats European Golf Machinery 

Balls Srixon 2-piece 

Dispenser European Golf Machinery 

Ball collector European Golf Machinery 

Grasscare & Ball 

collection 

In house team 

Fencing Hi-Nets 

Teaching Service 3 PGA professionals 

Flooring Carpet 

Bay heaters On the way 

Sponsored bays Get Noticed 

Average Balls 8,500-12,500 per day 

Targets Distance markers and target 

greens 

Special features 2 x 9 hole courses, Ball Park 

Batting, short game area, 

discount shop, café-bar and 

two teaching/fitting bays 

large amount of ladies golf clothing and we 

really expanded the ladies’ section when we 

moved here in 2001. We have worked really 

hard to establish the business and we are 

delighted with how things are progressing. 

“I originally started my career as an assistant 

pro at Lamberhurst Golf Club in Kent, but I have 

found working in the golf range/centre 


17


environment much more rewarding. For a start 

you can teach in all weather and now that we 

have got more into the business, we should be 

able to secure our future here. Golfers of all 

abilities are welcome and we now have two 

other professionals – Shane Warren and more 

recently, Chris Ashton. Both are superb 

teachers and offer teaching to all standards of 

player.” 

The complex opened originally with just the 

range and the clubhouse, which was sufficient 

to give Sarah a base to operate from. She 

designed and, with Roy, oversaw the 

construction of the first 9-hole course, which 

opened in 2002. Earlier this Spring, the main 

9-hole course opened - and it is an absolute 

gem. 

The gravel pits are now transformed into 

beautiful fishing lakes giving a marvellous 

18 +44 (0)1580 715248 

Above: Sarah and Roy have created a golf facility 

that caters for all abilities. 

backdrop to the course, which has been built to 

a very high specification. Peter was responsible 

for the basic landfill, which allowed the fairways 

to be of sufficient width for golf to be enjoyed 

by all standards of player. The par 31 layout 

wends its way around the fishing lakes and 

small copses; the course provides a real test to 

all golfers, but is aimed at the less 

accomplished player, as Roy explained: 

“The golf market has changed drastically over 

the last few years and there seems little point in 

creating golf facilities which are not open to all, 

with easy dress regulations and the emphasis 

on relaxed informal fun. We know that many of 

our golfers will leave and join other clubs in 

time, but we are confident that they will also 

continue to return here to use the range and


environment much more rewarding. For a start 

you can teach in all weather and now that we 

have got more into the business, we should be 

able to secure our future here. Golfers of all 

abilities are welcome and we now have two 

other professionals – Shane Warren and more 

recently, Chris Ashton. Both are superb 

teachers and offer teaching to all standards of 

player.” 

The complex opened originally with just the 

range and the clubhouse, which was sufficient 

to give Sarah a base to operate from. She 

designed and, with Roy, oversaw the 

construction of the first 9-hole course, which 

opened in 2002. Earlier this Spring, the main 

9-hole course opened - and it is an absolute 

gem. 

The gravel pits are now transformed into 

beautiful fishing lakes giving a marvellous 

18 +44 (0)1580 715248 

Above: Sarah and Roy have created a golf facility 

that caters for all abilities. 

backdrop to the course, which has been built to 

a very high specification. Peter was responsible 

for the basic landfill, which allowed the fairways 

to be of sufficient width for golf to be enjoyed 

by all standards of player. The par 31 layout 

wends its way around the fishing lakes and 

small copses; the course provides a real test to 

all golfers, but is aimed at the less 

accomplished player, as Roy explained: 

“The golf market has changed drastically over 

the last few years and there seems little point in 

creating golf facilities which are not open to all, 

with easy dress regulations and the emphasis 

on relaxed informal fun. We know that many of 

our golfers will leave and join other clubs in 

time, but we are confident that they will also 

continue to return here to use the range and


bring their friends and family to play on the 

courses. The original 9-hole course is a 

modest par 3 track with small greens and tees. 

It is ideal for informal golf, with the bulk of the 

play being from new golfers, juniors and family 

groups keen to ‘have a go’ at golf together. 

Now the new course has opened, we can offer 

a really testing and beautiful course, together 

with an inexpensive and flexible membership 

plan. Both the courses and the range ensure 

that the shop and clubhouse are always busy, 

which is why the business is such an excellent 

success commercially.” 

The complex has recently introduced Ball Park 

Batting, which is a baseball type of experience. 

The balls, which are made of forgiving sorbo 

rubber, are fired at the ‘batter’ by compressed 

air, the ‘batter’ then hits as far and powerfully 

as he or she can, with the balls flying out onto 

20 +44 (0)1580 715248 

Above: The course provides some testing holes with 

the water on site used to great effect. 

the range surface. The balls are collected by a 

specially adapted ball picker and do not travel 

more than about 80 yards. The speed of 

delivery can be varied according to skill and 

age, and helmets are required as a health and 

safety measure (more in case of an accidental 

bat accident than any damage the ball might 

cause). Ball Park Batting was invented by Rick 

Hollrock from the USA as a way of adapting 

batting cages, which normally use full weight 

base balls and operate inside a cage. The 

advantage of this game, other than safety, is 

that it is much more satisfying as you can see 

the ball fly onto the range area, which allows 

operators to utilise the outfield of the range for 

a second sporting activity, with little disruption 

to the primary function. Ball Park Batting is


Above: Ball Park Batting is proving to be a big hit. 

being distributed in the UK by European Golf 

Machinery, who are based within a few miles of 

the range. Adrian Yallop of EGM explains: 

“We are very pleased with the results that we 

have had so far at Suffolk Golf and Water. The 

equipment is standing up well to the vigorous 

use that the customers have been giving the 

equipment and the general level of feedback 

has been excellent.” 

Sarah agrees: 

“This is obviously a completely new type of 

leisure activity for the UK, so to be the first golf 

range to install Ball Park Batting is great. 

Although we do not have such a strong baseball 

ethic as in the States, nearly all of us have 

22 +44 (0)1580 715248 

played rounders and softball, as well as cricket, 

so we have enjoyed excellent results over the 

summer months. For us, we see the game as a 

way of broadening our leisure appeal. It may 

not appeal to the golfing purists, but we are not 

particularly interested in those sort of people 

anyway. It is great to see so much excitement 

on the faces of the people using it - it is really 

good fun and we are getting lots of repeat play. 

We expect the appeal to wane in the colder 

months, but it has been a sound investment for 

us.” 

Suffolk Golf and Water Park is a unique and 

beautiful golf centre and is precisely the type of 

facility which will grow the game and provide 

enjoyment for many thousands over the years 

to come.

* Get Noticed Ltd is part of the Hi Tech Media group, the UK’s 

* Specialists in securing and providing income streams for both 

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group and independent leisure operators from A3, 6 Sheet and 

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locations. 

to winning and placing quality National and Regional campaigns. 

Golf Range Income 

Guaranteed!


GRASS CARE 

FUSARIUM PATCH 

The most serious fungal disease which a tacks fine turf 

swards in the UK is Fusarium Patch (Microdochium nivale). 

This disease is very common during the highrisk 

autumn/winter/early spring periods when it 

can spread very rapidly and cause serious 

damage to fine turf swards in a short period of 

time. Most turf species are susceptible to a 

varying degree, but Annual Meadow Grass (Poa 

annua) is particularly vulnerable to the disease. 

The disease is favoured by moist/mild 

conditions as it spreads by way of white 

threads (mycelium/hyphae) in surface films on 

leaf tissues. 

During unfavourable environmental 

conditions the fungus survives within dead 

plant tissue (“thatch”) or as sickle shaped 

spores within the rootzone and the base of the 

sward. As soon as environmental conditions are 

suitable, the fungus grows rapidly, either from 

its sporeor mycelium to once again infect living 

plant tissue. 

24 +44 (0)1580 715248 

The disease is first seen as small brown/orange 

water soaked patches, which rapidly spread 

radially out from the infection point (Fig 1). 

White or pinkish threads (mycelium) are often 

seen on the outer edge of these patches early 

in the day. 

A good pointer with regard the activity of 

the fungus is the presence of a dark outer 

region to the patch. If this is present it is an 

indication that the disease is actively spreading 

(Fig 2). Once the patches take on a dry, strawcoloured 

appearance and there is new sward 

growth within the centre of the patch it is likely 

that the fungus is no longer active (Fig 3 & 4). 

The problem with this disease is that it 

often occurs when the turf is not growing 

actively (late autumn/winter) and therefore the 

patches formed remain throughout the 

winter/early spring period ruining the


appearance and playing characteristics of the 

surfaces. If left untreated the patches enlarge 

rapidly and sometimes join up to form large 

areas of infected turf (Fig 5, 6 & 7). It is a 

misconception that this disease will not cause 

problems after frosts have arrived, as the 

disease is quite able to tolerate and spread 

during temperatures way below zero. 

Conditions which favour the development of 

“Fusarium Patch” include: humid weather 

conditions and surface drainage problems 

(mainly caused by surface compaction and/or 

high “thatch” levels which are moisture 

retentive). Alkaline pH, Poa annua swards, 

excessive nitrogen fertilisation in autumn, 

deficiency or imbalances of major nutrients (P & 

K), and poor air circulation/shade will also 

encourage disease development. 

Cultural control measures which can be 

employed during the year to reduce the severity 

of attack therefore include such operations as: 

regular “switching”/brushing (to remove dew), 

improved surface aeration by regular hollow 

coring, spiking and slitting, thatch removal 

during the growing season, balanced nutrition 

during the year, shade removal (removal of 

overhanging branches), improved air circulation 

(clearance of undergrowth) and the avoidance 

of alkaline top dressings or fertilisers especially 

during the autumn period. 

There are some biological control methods 

which also assist with the reduction of the 

disease. These include regular over-sowing 

during the year with grasses that are less 

susceptible to attack than Poa annua (e.g. 

Fescues/bents/dwarf ryes). 

If the sward is mainly Poa annua, it is 

recommended that regular over-sowing be 

carried out during the year and that this is done 

at every available opportunity during the 

growing season i.e. following aeration or thatch 

removal operations, as the introduction of seed 

from desirable species at this time will then be 

better able to compete with the self sown Poa 

annua seed. 

The stimulation of microbial populations 

within the rootzone either by the use of live 

microbial products or by the use of seaweed 

extracts/humic acids during the year has also 

been reported to help reduce the severity of 

attacks, however the use of these products 

alone are unlikely to prevent the disease, 

especially where Poa annua is the dominant 

species. 

Although cultural and biological control 

methods will assist in the prevention of serious 

attacks it is very likely that chemical control 

methods (fungicides) will be needed in order to 

ensure that the disease does not spoil surfaces 

during the winter/early spring period. 

Unlike many of the older inorganic fungicides, 

modern fungicides are designed to be broken 

down in the rootzone by microbes (acting as a 

food source) as they are made up of largely 

carbon/nitrogen compounds. They do not 

therefore lead to the total destruction of 

beneficial microbial populations as is often 

stated. 

Opposite: The disease is first seen as small 

brown/orange water soaked patches, which 

rapidly spread radially out from the infection 

point (Fig 1). 

Below: A good pointer with regard the activity of 

the fungus is the presence of a dark outer 

region to the patch (Fig2). 


25


Above & Below: Once the patches take on a dry, 

straw-coloured appearance and there is new 

sward growth within the centre of the patch it 

is likely that the fungus is no longer active (Fig 

3 & 4). 

Fungicides available currently have three main 

modes of action: 

26 +44 (0)1580 715248 

Systemic Fungicides: 

These fungicides enter the leaf to protect from 

within and are transported within the vascular 

tissue (xylem), upwards from base to leaf tips 

(e.g. Heritage, Banner Maxx, Mildothane Turf & 

Agriguard Pro Turf). This type of fungicide 

provides longer term protection from disease 

attack than contact acting fungicides. Relatively 

active growth is required for absorption into and 

movement around the plant and so systemic

• Seed • Chemical • Fertilisers 

Full agronomy service available 

Tel: +44 (0)121 325 9100 Fax: +44 (0)121 325 9150 

e-mail: sales@seoulnassau.co.uk www.seoulnassau.co.uk


Above & Opposite: If left untreated the patches 

enlarge rapidly and sometimes join up to form 

large areas of infected turf (Fig 5, 6 & 7). 

fungicides need to be applied in late summer or 

early autumn when good temperatures and 

growth are present. Ideally this type of product 

needs to be applied before or at first signs of 

disease for optimum results. 

Heritage is particularly effective against this 

disease as its mode of action also involves 

some translaminar activity (see mesostemic 

fungicides below). 

Contact Fungicides: 

These fungicides (Daconil Turf & Chipco Green) 

are not systemic and do not enter the plant. 

They therefore control only the portion of the 

disease that is present on the leaf surface and 

are much more prone to removal by rainfall or 

by mowing. 

Contact fungicides do have an advantage 

over systemic fungicides with regard the control 

of this disease in autumn/winter/early spring in 

that they do not rely upon there being growth 

28 +44 (0)1580 715248 

for their activity. They are also best applied 

before or at first signs of the disease in order 

obtain optimum results. 

Mesostemic Fungicides: 

These new fungicides e.g. Insignia & Scorpio 

have a novel “mesostemic” (translaminar) mode 

of action. They belong to the same chemical 

group as “Heritage” (strobularins) but enter the 

leaf and travel from one side of the leaf to the 

other without needing active growth. They are 

not transported around the plant but instead are 

very soluble within the wax cuticle of the leaf 

and have the ability to impregnate and move 

within this outer layer of the leaf and therefore 

provide protection from disease attack. 

This type of activity gives these fungicides 

an advantage over systemic and contact 

fungicides as they do not rely on active growth 

for uptake as systemic fungicides do and unlike 

contact fungicides they actually penetrate leaf 

tissue to control fungal growth within the leaf 

during cool weather conditions. 

Remember protection from this disease 

during the months of October and November is 

critical as scars will otherwise be present


throughout the winter/early spring and spoil the 

appearance and playing quality of the surfaces. 

Fungicides available from Seoul Nassau 

include: 

Heritage (azoxystrobin) 

Banner Maxx (propiconazole) 

Daconil Turf (chlorothalonil) 

Chipco Green (iprodione) 

Mildothane Turf (thiophanate methyl) 

Agriguard Pro Turf (carbendazim) 

Insignia (pyraclostrobin) 

Scorpio (trifloxystrobin) 

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL - 

USE PESTICIDES SAFELY 

Below: Geoff Yelland 


29


POWERLINES 

PowerLineS is like no other training aid on the market. 

PowerLineS is a very visual training aid /system, 

that literally helps perfect the setup and swing 

path for every shot in the bag, from driving to 

putting and even green reading. It is suitable and 

essential for beginners through to tour pros, 

juniors to seniors, right and left handed players. 

Although its functions are comprehensive it is very 

easy to use, extremely effective, light, fits into the 

golf bag and is affordable for every golfer. 

From a teaching professionals point of view, 

PowerLineS fulfils two main objectives. One, to 

improve every player in every department of their 

game and two, to earn a living. 

PowerLineS is accompanied by a user friendly 

manual that illustrates how to use the PowerLineS 

to their greatest affect. It incorporates a height 

chart, bio-mechanically recommending the optimal 

distance from the ball and width of stance for 

every player. 

Although PowerLineS has only just been 

launched, the response is emphatic. Players were 

introduced to PowerLineS during The Wales Open 

held at Celtic Manor, with 5 of the leading 8 

players buying and using them, including the 

winner Richard Sterne. Several national teams 

have already shown great interest and are using 

the system, as well as coaching at grass roots 

level. Club fitting centres acknowledge their 

invaluable use, as there is little point being fitted 

for a set of clubs if the player cannot stand to the 

ball consistently. 

PowerLineS can still be a very profitable 

source of income for the professional who doesn’t 

teach as they are ideal for logoing and make a 

great corporate day gift, costing the same price a 

dozen ProV1’s but lasting a lot longer than a 

round and a half! The golf ball shapes of the 

PowerLineS are compelling and if displayed on the 

shop floor cannot fail to create interest and sales. 

Tour coach Jeremy Bennett is the designer of 

PowerLineS. A professional with plenty of 

30 +44 (0)1580 715248 

experience, who knows what it takes to bring out 

the best in players as he successfully coached 

Nick Faldo back to a resurgence of form from 

2002 to 2005 and has had excellent results when 

working 3 other major champions, as well as 

many other leading tour professionals that include 

Paul Casey. He ‘masterminded’ and trained with 

outstanding success Team Faldo, an elite squad of 

players that included Oliver Fisher, Zane Scotland, 

James Heath and Rory Mcllroy. 

“I get as much satisfaction helping beginners, 

juniors and seniors fulfil their potential as I do tour 

professionals. In order for me or any other 

professional to achieve that, there has to be 

structure and continuity. 

“In my opinion there has been an obvious flaw in 

how the game has been taught, that is why the 

average handicap 40 years ago was 17 and 

incredibly is still 17 today, despite the driver 

propelling the modern ball 27 yards further in the 

last 10 years.” 

When teaching you won’t have to sell PowerLineS 

- you will be asked. The response from pupils at 

the end of a lesson is often “How can I guarantee 

I will be able to replicate what you have just 

taught me when I’m practising on my own?” 

“Well you can’t, unless you have a pack of 

PowerLineS.” 

They retail at £39.95, with the professional buying 

them in at under £20 (dependent on quantity 

ordered). A healthy profit can be made as the 

turnover can be extremely high, whilst the coach’s 

reputation as a great teacher is enhanced. 

To order call 01276 469809, 

www.powerlinesgolf.com or 

email – info@puregolf.co.uk



31


SECRETARIES AIM TO MANAGE 

CHANGE 

One of golf’s oldest organisations has announced that it 

is to change its name after 74 years to reflect the 

evolving role of golf club secretaries. 

Following 18 months of consultation, the 

Association of Golf Club Secretaries has 

become the ‘Golf Club Managers’ Association’ 

to acknowledge the dramatic changes to the 

duties and responsibilities its members have 

needed to incorporate into its everyday 

management. 

National Secretary, Keith Lloyd, says that 

responsibilities and changes in legislation over 

the past five to ten years has directed more 

focus onto the need for good management and 

control measures, and as an internationally 

recognised organisation it needed to embrace 

these changes and create an Association that 

continues to set standards. 

“The role of the golf club Secretary has 

changed dramatically over the past 20 years, 

32 +44 (0)1580 715248 

and this coupled with the demands from 

members and customers for better standards 

and value-for-money, has resulted in clubs 

realising they need to have a competent 

person with managerial skills at the helm,” 

said Keith. 

To facilitate the change process, a special 

sub-committee, drawn from the national 

committee, was set up to liaise with regional 

representatives to ensure members were aware 

of the proposed change and understood the 

reasoning behind it. 

“We have over 2,500 members and, inevitably, 

many of the traditional clubs will continue to 

employ a secretary in preference to a manager, 

director of golf or chief executive, and it is not 

our intention to dictate any such changes.


“What is important for the Association is to 

ensure that, as a leading body in the game, we 

are representative of Private Members’ Clubs 

and the Proprietary Club sector and keep our 

members fully up-to-date with any 

developments. 

“We believe the new name appropriately 

reflects our position for the present day and 

into the future,” added Keith. 

The GCMA represents approximately 65 per 

cent of Clubs in the UK and provides training 

and national programmes for existing and 

potential new members. Membership benefits 

include access to an electronic library 

comprising over 400 advisory documents on 

everything relevant to managing golf clubs and 

their associated practice areas, from 

Employment Law, Health & Safety, and 

Catering & Bar operations to Marketing of 

facilities, and looking after future generations 

of golfers. 

Membership is open to secretaries, 

managers, directors of golf and golf club 

owners across the UK and Europe and is 

supported by a regional structure. 

The Association has run Conferences for 

over 20 years, and it 11th National Conference 

will be held at The Belfry on 5 – 7 November 

2007, where an array of golf industry leaders 

and professional speakers will be present to 

deliver and communicate best practices. 

“Managing Change” is the aptly designed title 

and message that is being conveyed on this 

occasion, as advice on how to anticipate the 

needs of the discerning golf customer will be a 

key focus during the event. 

“This year’s event is expected to attract a 

record attendance, both in terms of individual 

delegates and leading trade suppliers, and we 

are delighted that GRN will be with us for the 

first time” concluded Keith Lloyd. 

34 +44 (0)1580 715248 

Further details can be obtained from the GCMA 

Head Office on: 01934 641166, email: 

HQ@gcma.org.uk or by visiting its website on: 

www.gcma.org.uk 

The Association has run Conferences for over 

20 years, and its 11th National Conference will be 

held at The Belfry on 5 – 7 November 2007, 

where an array of golf industry leaders and 

professional speakers will be present to deliver 

and communicate best practices. “Managing 

Change” is the aptly designed title and message 

that is being conveyed on this occasion, as advice 

on how to anticipate the needs of the discerning 

golf customer will be a key focus during the 

event. 

“This year’s event is expected to attract a record 

attendance, both in terms of individual delegates 

and leading trade suppliers, and we are delighted 

that GRN will be with us for the first time,” 

concluded Keith Lloyd. For further information, 

please see the GCMA advertisement on the 

previous page. 

Previous page: Keith Lloyd, GCMA National 

Secretary. 

Below: Keynote speaker, Kate Hoey, MP.


MAJOR RE-DEVELOPMENT OF THE 

TP GOLF CENTRE 

The TP Golf Centre is a busy range on the A14 

near Cambridge. Run by Peter Durham and his 

partner Teresa, the centre, formerly known as 

Hemingford Abbotts Golf Range has undergone 

some major changes in recent years and is in the 

midst of a vast extension, which will make it one 

of the largest golf range support buildings in 

Europe. 

The site has a very busy Direct Golf (UK) Ltd 

franchise, which is trading at record levels, 

despite the obvious disruption from the building 

works. GRN spoke to Peter Durham 

recently: 

“We have really gone for it with our 

new club house building. The new 

centre will have a major restaurant, 

conference and function suites, an 

even bigger retail space, state of the 

art custom fitting and teaching suites 

and a mouth watering synthetic short 

game area. The investment is much 

more than we had originally 

intended, but the new complex will 

be a major leisure centre serving this 

very busy area. Trade has been 

excellent during the building work 

and thanks for this must go to our 

staff who have been fantastic, Holland Build for 

keeping disruption to a minimum – and of course 

our customers. There is a real excitement in the 

air in anticipation of the opening and we can’t 

wait to open.” 

GRN will be back to report on the progress and 

cover the official opening. 

Below: Centre Manager, Steve Bird, looking 

forward to the new facilities. 


35


N1GOLF TUITION 

There is a tuition service, which is achieving big things 

with the golf centres it is working with: building up 

their teaching service, increasing range revenue and 

with great customer satisfaction reports. 

N1GOLF is a tuition service provider, which was 

set up 18months ago to help golf centres improve 

their teaching service and increase profitability. 

They are currently working at three locations, the 

Blue Mountain Golf Centre in Berkshire, the A1 

Golf Range in North London and Vale Do Lobo 

Portugal. They are making a dramatic impact on 

range turnover and customer satisfaction, due to 

the high level of service and quality coaching they 

offer. 

For N1GOLF it is about creating an experience 

and building a strong reputation, aiming to be the 

“N1” in golf tuition. Golf centres can have 

confidence that their facility is being run and 

promoted in a very professional manner. For the 

coaches it allows them to concentrate on what 

they are good at – giving quality golf tuition. They 

also have regular training to help grow and 

improve their experience, whilst N1GOLF takes 

36 +44 (0)1580 715248 

care of all the necessary management and 

administration to ensure a high standard is 

delivered. All the initial investment and ongoing 

costs are covered by N1GOLF, with a financial 

agreement guaranteeing a monthly rental to the 

golf centre/range. 

N1GOLF go the extra mile, providing services 

such as a very modern website, which includes an 

online diary system, allowing pupils to book 

lessons online 24/7, and even view their uploaded 

video golf swings. This also helps with monitoring 

growth and marketing promotions through the 

database of clients, which is constantly growing. 

Since being involved with Crown Golf at Blue 

Mountain Golf Centre the teaching has gone from 

strength to strength. From only ever having 1 or 2 

coaches it now has 6 full time PGA coaches, 

making Blue Mountain one of the strongest 

academies in Berkshire. The effects of this go


IMPROVE 

YOUR 

RANGE 

TURNOVER! 

WITH 

N1GOLF is a golf tuition business, specialising 

in running golf academies/schools. 

As we are now established, we are looking at driving the 

business forward and increasing the number of 

academies/golf centres we service in the UK. We want to 

help your facility reach an even more profitable level. 

What N1GOLF has to offer: 

• Initial investment and ongoing costs covered by N1GOLF 

• Guaranteed monthly rental payments to your company 

• Increased range revenue & usage 

• A branded product which will be personalised to your 

centre and will include your company logo 

• Professional point of sale and marketing 

• Professional appearance 

• Exclusive web-site service, first of its kind 

– includes online bookings & video 

• Quality teaching structure & assessment programme 

• Trained staff (current or new) who receive incentives 

and continual/regular training 

For further details on N1GOLF and to discuss the points 

mentioned please contact Declan Malone on: 

01344 488858, 07944 071995, declan@n1golf.com, 

www.n1golf.com 


37


without saying. Alex Taylor of Crown Golf says: 

“Bringing N1GOLF on board has been great for 

our business, with increased range revenue and 

sales, lesson turnover and above all customer 

satisfaction at our golf centre.” 

As N1GOLF are now established, they are looking 

at driving the business forward and increasing the 

number of academies/golf centres they service in 

the UK. If you would like to discuss the 

possibilities with N1GOLF for your golf 

centre/driving range please contact Declan 

Malone, Director of 

N1GOLF at 

07944071995 or 

declan@n1golf.com 

and visit 

www.n1golf.com 

38 +44 (0)1580 715248


BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 

TAPTON PARK GOLF COURSE – TO LET 

HLL Humberts Leisure has been appointed by 

Chesterfield Borough Council to offer Tapton Park 

Golf Course to let on a 25 year FRI lease. Annual 

rental offers are invited for the property, with initial 

expressions of interest required by 19th October 

2007. 

Tapton Park Golf Course is a renowned 

municipal golf course that was founded in 1934. 

The property comprises an 18 hole 6,104 yard 

(par 72) parkland golf course; 9 hole 2,613 yard 

(par 34) course; 9 hole par 3 course; practice 

ground (with potential for a floodlit golf riving 

range); large clubhouse; lodge and greenkeepers’ 

compound, located on the outskirts of Chesterfield 

(population 99,000). The business is operated as 

a pay and play facility and offers great potential 

for commercialisation. 

The Chesterfield Borough Council is seeking 

an experienced operator for Tapton Park Golf 

Course to implement the Council’s objectives for 

the property. The objectives include: ensuring that 

40 +44 (0)1580 715248 

the facility remains a pay and play golf course 

open to all members of the public; achieving the 

refurbishment of the clubhouse and practice 

facilities; encouraging participation in and 

development of golf; and securing a sustainable 

annual rent for the Council. 

Ben Allen BSc (Hons) MRICS, head of HLL 

Humberts Leisure’s golf agency team, is handling 

the marketing of Tapton Park Golf Course. Ben 

Allen said ‘Tapton Park Golf Course is a fine, long 

established golf facility that achieves circa 70,000 

rounds of golf each year. Proposals for Tapton 

Park Golf Course will be judged on a number of 

criteria including the operator’s covenant strength, 

their experience in the golf sector, the proposed 

annual rent and the projected capital investment 

in the facility.’ 

For further information on Tapton Park Golf 

Course, or to discuss your golf market 

requirements, please contact Ben Allen on 01962 

835960 or ben.allen@humberts-leisure.com 

Publications from OGRO 

Order by phone: 01580 715043, email: rohan@ogro.org or fax: 01580 714516 

£400 or £275 OGRO 

Premium Members 

£100 or £75 OGRO 


£225 or £150 OGRO 


Sports Marketing Surveys and OGRO have teamed 

up to produce the only up-to-date information 

about golf range users and usage. 72 pages 

packed with data that will inform a business plan 

or focus your business more profitably. 

Produced with the backing of the EGU, ELGU, the 

PGA and Sport England to assist golf clubs 

considering creating or extending their practice 

facilities.This guide by OGRO and PGA Design 

Consulting will help ensure that all 

considerations are taken into account. 

The ultimate guide to building, or refurbishing, a 

golf range. OGRO and PGADC's experience in the 

golf range industry delivers the best guidance on 

design, planning, lighting and much more. 84 

pages


On the instructions of 

Chesterfield Borough Council 

To Let 

Tapton Park Golf Course 

■ Founded 1934 

■ 18 hole pay & play golf course 

■ 9 hole course 

■ 9 hole par 3 course 

■ Circa 70,000 rounds p.a. 

■ Clubhouse & lodge 

■ 25 year FRI lease available 

■ Annual rental offers invited 

Contact 

Ben Allen 

e: ben.allen@humberts-leisure.com t: 01962 835960 

www.humberts-leisure.com 

Golf Driving Range & 9 Hole Course 

Near Wrexham 

An excellent business opportunity 

with good returns on Capital invested. 

9 Hole Golf Course 

Driving Range & Discount Shop 

For Sale subject to a 20 year Lease. 

Guide Price £250,000 

Miss Britt Blower ANAEA, Denton Clark, Vicar’s Lane Chester CH1 1QU 

Phone: (01244) 409660 Fax (01244) 315954 

www.dentonclark.co.uk 


41

OGRO • OGRO • OGRO • OGRO • OGRO • OGRO • OGRO • OGRO 

All UK Range Owners and Operators are OGRO 

members at no charge. For enhanced 

Partners 

membership benefits see the Premium 

Membership page. Our partner companies are 

supporting OGRO in developing communications and networking within the golf 

range industry. They are also offering some great savings that are exclusive to 

OGRO members. Phone today to check out the savings for yourself. 

OGRO - Working for the Range 

Industry in Partnership with: 

01483 523993 

0208 401 6900 

0161 245 1222 

020 8336 7360 

42 +44 (0)1580 715248 

0161 968 8800 

0115 9685127 

01473 270000 

01620 890200


New OGRO Premium Membership 

More benefits for less! 

We have restructured OGRO Premium Membership to provide greater benefit 

to our members and reduce administration for all. We think it is a great deal 

and we hope that you will agree. 

From April 1st OGRO Premium Membership will only be available by Direct 

Debit of £10 per month i.e., £120 per annum including VAT. 

We have also reviewed member benefits and the new membership 

package will now include: 

✔ GRN delivered to your door 

✔ 2 FREE places at the OGRO Conference and Exhibition 

✔ 6 FREE advertisements for used range equipment and balls 

✔ FREE upgrade on golfrangefinder.co.uk 

✔ FREE Health & Safety risk assessment template 

✔ FREE advice on range matters by phone 

All members also benefit from the preferential rates we have negotiated with 

our OGRO Partners. 

Use the form below to sign-up now and we will send you a Direct Debit 

mandate by return. 

Name 

Range 

Address 

www.ogro.org 

43


MANSON INSURANCE GROUP – 

FURTHER PREMIUM SAVINGS FOR OGRO 

MEMBERS AND NOW OFFERING EVEN 

WIDER COVER! 

Manson Insurance Group, OGRO Partner and 

provider of tailored insurance solutions for the Golf 

Range industry, has expanded its ‘Golf Range 

Select’ offering in conjunction with Brit Insurance 

and can now offer Directors’ and Officers’ Liability 

Insurance (D&O Insurance). 

Martin Mansley, Manson’s Sport & Leisure 

Manager commented, “We felt that D&O cover was 

invaluable to OGRO members. Litigation in the UK 

is on the increase as our claims culture gathers 

momentum and we are seeing an increasing 

number of actions being brought against individual 

company directors and employees.” 

With the constant changes in legislation it is 

sometimes difficult for Company Directors to keep 

abreast of those that may affect their business. 

There are now over 200 offences in the 

Companies Act alone that a Director could 

inadvertently commit, for which an action could be 

brought against him personally. 

Company Directors can be held personally 

liable for their actions and decisions – putting their 

own assets at risk. D&O Insurance indemnifies 

Directors and other senior officers of limited or 

publicly quoted companies for breach of duties 

committed while running the company. It covers 

defence costs and resulting damages. 

Other news from Manson Insurance Group is 

their launch of a new corporate identity. The Group 

celebrates its 35th anniversary later this year, and 

employs nearly 100 people. 

Manson Insurance Group’s three trading 

companies, which independently handle leisure 

insurance, commercial insurance, private medical 

and financial services, are all to enjoy a new 

corporate identity to better reflect the synergies 

between them and to strengthen and more clearly 

differentiate the image of the group in the 

insurance market. In addition, J L Manson & 

Partners, the commercial arm of the Group, has 

changed its name to Manson Insurance Brokers. 

44 +44 (0)1580 715248 

“A key reason for the change is that the new name 

conveys our business and brand in a clear and 

unmistakeable way,” says Chief Executive, Jon 

Manson. “We are committed to providing an 

excellent service defined by professionalism, 

integrity and technical expertise.” 

As part of the new strategy, the Group has 

launched a new website, 

www.mansoninsurancegroup.co.uk. 

The great news for OGRO members is that the 

proposal form is now available online – which will 

make arranging your insurance quicker and easier 

than ever! 

The Manson Leisure team is also expanding 

and has recently recruited a new member to the 

team, Michael Martin, to work with Martin Mansley. 

‘We are really pleased with how the scheme has 

progressed over the last 9 months and are 

constantly looking for ways to develop our products 

further. Our current figures show that we are 

saving OGRO members an average of £1,800 per 

policy and providing superior cover,” says Martin. 

Feedback from OGRO members who have joined 

the Golf Range Select has been very positive. One 

client explains, “Our insurance policy, arranged by 

Mansons, is specifically designed for the Golf 

industry. Following a meeting with Martin, Mansons 

reviewed our cover and produced a considerably 

cheaper premium than our previous broker. We 

have been delighted with the service we have 

received since working with Martin and the 

Mansons team and know that all necessary risks 

are covered in our policy.” 

To find out more about how our insurance could 

help you and your business, please call Martin 

Mansley on 0161 245 1222 or email him at 

martin.mansley@manson.insurance.co.uk.

Save up to 40% on your 

annual insurance premium! 

Insurance Tailored for the Range Industry 

Now also offering Directors and Officers 

Insurance cover! 

Our comprehensive insurance 

cover is saving golf driving range 

owners thousands of pounds a 

year on their premiums! 

To find out more please contact: 

Martin Mansley 

on 0161 245 1222 

email at martin.mansley@jlmanson.co.uk


ALLETT MOWERS JOINS 

TURFMECH STABLE 

A secure and vibrant future underpinned by 

sustained product development and sales 

growth are promised for Allett Mowers following 

the purchase by Turfmech Machinery Ltd of 

Allett Mower's assets, trademarks and main 

product range. 

The move brings one of Britain’s bestknown 

makes of professional walk-behind 

cylinder mower and turf-care equipment into 

the Turfmech stable to be based at Turfmech’s 

product development and manufacturing centre 

in Hixon, Staffordshire. 

Allett Mowers’ move south from its 

previous location in Arbroath, Scotland, will 

ensure that the business benefits fully from 

the technical know-how, engineering expertise 

and financial backing of one of Britain’s 

leading manufacturers and suppliers of 

professional grounds maintenance equipment. 

The business will continue to trade as Allett 

Mowers with all products carrying the 

respected Allett name. 

46 +44 (0)1580 715248 

Speaking on 21 August following the 

completion of the purchase, Turfmech’s 

managing director, Austin Jarrett, pointed out 

that the Allett product line forms a perfect fit 

with the Turfmech range. 

“Turfmech has been closely involved with the 

professional turf and grounds maintenance 

industry for the past 17 years, supplying 

products such as precision top dressers, 

mowers and debris collection equipment to 

golf and sports clubs, stadiums and parks 

departments,” he said. “Adding Allett walkbehind 

cylinder mowers and associated turfcare 

equipment to our portfolio will enable us 

to expand our involvement with and support 

for turf professionals looking after a wider 

range of sports surfaces, including those 

used for rugby, soccer, cricket, tennis and 

bowls. We will be aiming also to build Allett’s 

existing business among those caring for 

large formal lawns and similar areas of


Opposite: Austin Jarrett, Managing Director of 

Turfmech Machinery, with two of the Allett mowers 

that are to be manufactured by Turfmech at its 

facility in Hixon, Staffordshire. 

ornamental grass within public and private 

parks and gardens.” 

Allett Mowers’ move to its new base in 

Staffordshire is expected to be completed by 

the end of August with a purpose-designed 

pedestrian mower production line now being 

established within Turfmech’s existing 

manufacturing facility at Hixon. 

Moving with the company to Staffordshire 

are Roy Allett, who takes up the position of 

Product Director, and Chris York, who will 

continue to focus on sales. “This is an important 

and positive move for Allett, providing the 

business with fresh impetus and a sound 

future,” commented Roy Allett. “Turfmech is a 

highly-respected name in the grounds 

maintenance industry, renowned for the quality 

of its products and after-sales support. I am 

confident that the Allett brand will go from 

strength to strength as part of the Turfmech 

stable, benefiting our dealers and end-users in 

the UK, Ireland and other parts of the world.” 

All of Allett Mowers’ dealers in the UK and 

overseas are being written to by Turfmech to 

assure them of Turfmech’s total commitment to 

the business and the uninterrupted provision of 

sales, technical, parts and service support for 

them and their customers. 

Initially, Turfmech plans to offer the Allett 

range of machines as listed below. End-user 

research and product evaluation will be carried 

out by Turfmech over the coming months to 

assist with the updating and improvement of 

existing models and the development and 

introduction of new products to meet 

customers’ future needs and demands from 

both the high-end consumer and professional 

markets. 

The current Allett range comprises: 

Regal (36in and 42in) – this top-of-therange 

sports field mower is used at six Test 

Match cricket grounds in the UK as well as at 

major sports stadia world-wide. 

Buffalo 34 (34in) – a compact, superlightweight 

sports field mower recommended 

for soccer pitches and formal lawns. 

Buffalo (20in, 24in & 27in) – a generalpurpose 

professional mower able to cut a wide 

range of grass lengths. Ideal for the contractor 

market. 

Tournament (20in & 24in) – a 10-bladed 

fine-cut mower with groomer designed to 

produce a first-class finish on golf & bowling 

greens and cricket wickets. 

Shaver (20in & 24in) – a 10-bladed fine-cut 

mower with dual-position front roller allowing a 

brush to be fitted or the distance between front 

and rear rollers to be reduced for enhanced 

contour following. 

C20, C24 and C34 grass maintenance 

systems (20in, 24in & 34in) – these pedestrian 

machines are available with the following 

interchangeable cassette attachments: a 10bladed 

cutting cylinder with or without groomer; 

a six-bladed cutting cylinder; slitter; verticutter; 

scarifier; sorrel roller; brush. 

BJB42 deep scarifier with collection (42in) – 

suitable for aerating and scarifying sports and 

amenity turf. PTO powered, the BJB42 can be 

mounted on a compact tractor or a suitable 

work vehicle. 

For further information, please contact: 

Austin Jarrett 

Managing Director 

Turfmech Machinery Ltd 

Hangar 5, New Road 

Hixon 

Staffs ST18 0PJ 

Tel: 01889 271503 Mobile: 07880 746034 

email: austin.jarrett@turfmech.co.uk 


47

NEWS 


• McGinley in sync with Explanar 

European Tour star and Ryder Cup stalwart Paul 

McGinley has recently seen a significant return to 

form after spending time working on his swing on 

an Explanar, the renowned golf swing training and 

fitness system. 

Having missed 3 out of 4 cuts prior to his first 

experience with the Explanar at the Barclay’s 

Scottish Open at Loch Lomond, Paul was so taken 

with the system and the instant improvements he 

saw that he requested that an Explanar be 

installed at his accommodation for the Open 

Championship at Carnoustie the following week. 

During Open Championship week Paul used 

the Explanar every morning and evening and 

promptly went on to feature prominently on the 

leader board throughout the tournament, 

eventually recording his best finish in the Open 

Championship since 1996. 

The dramatic improvements that Paul has 

gained from using the Explanar can be clearly 

seen in his results on Tour this year. Up until 

48 +44 (0)1580 715248 

using Explanar, Paul earned 152,000 from his 

first 14 events on the European Tour, missing 5 

cuts. After just a few weeks working on the 

Explanar, he’s earned €112,800 in just 3 events. 

Commenting on the upturn in his form 

McGinley said: “Explanar has definitely helped and 

I feel that I’m going in the right direction now. I’ll 

be getting an Explanar installed at home.” 

“Whether an amateur or Tour player, Explanar 

delivers on its commitment to improve power and 

accuracy. It came as no surprise to us that 

Explanar would help Paul, as it has US Tour player 

Jerry Kelly and others. It’s an inspirational piece of 

equipment as it builds confidence,” commented 

Tony Clark, Explanar Managing Director. 

Explanar inventor and renowned PGA 

instructor Luther Blacklock commented: “Paul had 

been losing the ball left and after only a short 

time on Explanar he was able to modify his swing 

to achieve stability of ball flight which gave him 

the confidence to repeat the new motion that held


up under the most intense pressure at the 

Scottish Open and the Open Championship. This 

resulted in Paul putting together two of his best 

weeks of the year.” 

Since its inception in 2001, the Explanar has 

received rave reviews from a number of leading 

teaching professionals and Tour players, including 

Jerry Kelly and Butch Harmon, coach to a host of 

PGA Tour stars. 

The Explanar is a revolutionary development 

in golf instruction designed by Luther Blacklock, 

Head Professional at Woburn Golf Club. It is a 

complete golf training and fitness system based 

on sound biomechanical principles. Explanar 

promotes the ideal movements required for the 

golf swing and turns golf swing theory into 

feelings, allowing the golfer to focus on executing 

the shot more effectively. 

For further information on the Explanar please go 

to www.explanar.com 

call 01604 874740 

THE SHORT GAME SPECIALISTS 

OVER 5000 INSTALLATIONS WORLDWIDE 

Tel: 01935 389358 

Email: info@thegreenapproach.com 

Web: www.thegreenapproach.com 

• 360 golf starts work at new £16m 

project new course taking shape at 

revolutionary Playgolf East Kilbride 

Centre 

Leading golf construction company 360 Golf has 

started work on the world’s first purpose-built 

‘PowerPlay Golf’ course, which will be a main 

feature of the new £16m Playgolf East Kilbride 

centre in Scotland. 

The 100-acre site – a joint venture between 

property developers Kilmartin and golf operators 

Playgolf (Holdings) Plc – will be home to a 9-hole 

Peter McEvoy-designed course featuring replicas 

of famous British Open links golf holes. 

360 Golf has started earthworks at the Kingsgate 

West location, stripping topsoil and preparing for a 

major ‘cut and fill’ operation, which will begin to 

create the course’s contours. 

Mel Thomas, of 360 Golf, said today: “Playgolf 

East Kilbride is a groundbreaking development in 

every respect and we are delighted to be part of 

this innovative project. 

ALL WEATHER 

• Putting Greens 

• Chipping Greens 

• Pitching Greens 

• Mini-golf Courses 

• Teeing/Chipping 

Areas 


49


“The site is on a hill, so we have to cut out to a 

depth of 4 metres in places to create a terracing 

effect. We expected the stripping and cut and fill 

operation to take around 10 weeks and work is 

progressing well.” 

The new course forms an integral part of Playgolf 

Holdings Plc’s mammoth new public sports 

complex in East Kilbride. Each of the new course’s 

nine holes will be a replica of some of the UK’s 

finest and most famous links holes. 

The course is also the first in the world to be 

designed and built specifically to accommodate 

PowerPlay Golf, the new way to play golf that is 

becoming a worldwide phenomenon. 

Billed as golf’s answer to Twenty20 cricket, the 

new format is a simple, shortened, yet highly 

competitive and strategic version of the game. 

Played over 9 holes, each green houses two flags, 

one white in a relatively ‘easy’ position and one 

black skull ‘n’ crossbones or ‘PowerPlay’ flag in a 

much trickier position on the putting surface. 

David Piggins, CEO of Playgolf, said: “Playgolf East 

Kilbride will be a landmark golf, sports and leisure 

facility - and it’s fitting that Scotland, the home of 

golf, will be the first country in the world to have a 

true, purpose-built 21st century golf complex.” 

Playgolf East Kilbride, at Kingsgate West, 

Stewartfield Way, East Kilbride, will feature the golf 

course, 60-bay driving range, 250,000 sq ft 

indoor sports area, retailing centre, restaurant and 

conference facilities, 10 outdoor 5-a-side football 

pitches and automated baseball and softball 

cages. 

Mel Thomas, 360 Golf 

Tel: +44 (0)1483 270470 

email: melvin@360golf.co.uk 

• Seminars and Events at Golf Europe 

2007 

The 15th GOLF EUROPE, the leading trade fair for 

golf in Europe, will take place on the grounds of 

the New Munich Trade Fair Centre from 7 to 9 

October 2007. In addition to product 

presentations and discussions with customers, 

50 +44 (0)1580 715248 

visitors and exhibitors can expand their contact 

networks and know-how. Among other things, the 

supporting program includes a top-rate seminar 

program in collaboration with the PGAs of Europe 

as well as practical tests, demonstrations and 

workshops. 

Steve Otto, Director of Research and Testing at 

The Royal & Ancient Golf Clubs at St. Andrews (R 

& A) will speak on the topic "Using the science of 

golf to improve your game." 

Dr. Karl Morris, Professor for Sports 

Psychology will conduct a workshop on the topic 

‘Does your brain help your game?’ and provide 

tips, about how you can strengthen yourself 

mentally before an important game. He will also 

explain in which cases mental training cannot 

help. 

Eddie Reid, Managing Director of TGI Golf, will 

deal with European golf retail market. 

Florian Oberhofer, Head Professional, will show 

how the Internet can be used as a professional 

marketing tool for the golf industry within the 

framework of a costs and benefits analysis. 

IYou can find all information dealing with GOLF 

EUROPE 2007, exhibitors and brands, events and 

the precise dates and times of the seminar 

program at www.golf-europe.com. 

• Stubbi Golf helps beat cigarette butt litter 

on the golf course 

With the July 1 smoking ban turning the fairways 

into the only place where golfers can enjoy their 

cigarettes, a new product has been launched to 

keep golf courses free from discarded butts – the 

Stubbi Golf ‘pocket ashtray’. 

The Stubbi will also help golfers avoid heavy 

fines for dropping cigarette butts in public places. 

Smokers will be liable for an £80 on-the-spot fine 

for discarding or stubbing out cigarettes in public 

when the smoking ban comes into force across 

England. 

Endorsed by Major-winner and former Ryder 

Cup skipper Ian Woosnam, the Stubbi Golf antilitter 

pouch contains a fireproof lining which safely 

and hygienically extinguishes cigarettes, then 

stores them for disposal later on.


Golfers simply place their cigarette butts 

inside the Stubbi and close the flap. Within 20 

seconds the lack of oxygen extinguishes the 

cigarette. The pouch holds up to five cigarettes 

and can be emptied in the nearest bin – leaving 

the course a litter-free zone. The Stubbi can be 

reused time and again 

Woosie, who has recently joined the Stubbi 

campaign, said: “Personally I like to keep it tidy 

round the green, so keep it tidy and use a 

Stubbi.” 

Stubbi & Co Ltd managing director Ian 

McCormack said: “Golfers will be forced outside 

the clubhouse which will increase cigarette litter 

in these areas as well as on the course. 

“Forcing smokers outside increases littering, as 

can been seen around public buildings where 

smoking has already been banned – so the Stubbi 

Golf is the perfect way for golfers to continue to 

enjoy smoking, but also to take responsibility for 

not littering their course with discarded cigarette 

butts. 

“It’s a problem as cigarette butts can take up to 

20 years to degrade.” 

On-the-spot littering fines are enforced under the 

Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act, 

which has been in force for two years. 

In Ireland, following the indoor smoking ban, 

littering rose by 15%. And in the UK, local 

councils are beginning to enforce litter fines 

stringently – one authority in the East of England 

raising £13,000 last year. 

The Stubbi Golf fits neatly into a trouser 

pocket, golf bag pocket or handbag and costs 

around £1.50 from Pro shops. Golfers can also 

buy the Stubbi Golf direct from the company’s 

website www.stubbi.net for £1.20 including P&P. 

Originally piloted on golf courses in Portugal, 

the Stubbi has become a cornerstone of the 

ENCAMS Keep Britain Tidy Campaign and is being 

supported by more than 100 local councils in the 

UK. 

The design can be customised, meaning golf 

clubs and societies can create their own branded 

Stubbi, while a Stubbi ‘combination’ model is 


51


available which also contains special fireproof 

papers for wrapping chewing gum. Stubbi was 

granted the UK patent for this in May 2006. 

Added Ian McCormack: “The Stubbi Golf is 

perfect for golfers who are travelling to watch The 

Open and other large golf events. Golfers respect 

the integrity and rules of the game every time 

they play and we’re therefore confident that those 

who smoke will embrace the need to be litter 

conscious – or they risk being fined the price of a 

good putter!” 

Visit www.stubbi.net for more information or email 

info@stubbi.net. 

• New Huxley Golf distributor appointed in 

the North of England 

Huxley Golf has announced the appointment of a 

new distributor in the north of England to look 

after sales and installations of the entire Huxley 

range of golf practice, teaching and playing aids. 

Trading as Huxley Golf Northern, the new 

52 +44 (0)1580 715248 

Above: Huxley Golf Northern are Simon Townend 

(right) and Richard Lawrence, pictured with the 

demonstration Huxley putting green recently 

installed at the Wilpshire Golf Club. 

company is owned and operated by former 

European Tour player, Simon Townend, and 

Richard Lawrence, a low-handicap golfer with 

extensive experience of the golf market. Huxley 

Golf Northern is located at Unit 18b, Junction 7 

Business Park, Clayton-le-Moors, Accrington, 

Lancashire. 

The area covered by the new business 

encompasses Lancashire, Greater Manchester, 

most of Cheshire, western parts of Yorkshire 

including Leeds and Sheffield, and the counties of 

Northumberland, Cumbria and Durham. 

Products available from Huxley Golf Northern 

include the extensive range of Huxley premier allweather 

surfaces for golf which provide high 

quality, low maintenance alternatives to natural 

turf on golf course tees, practice tees and ranges, 

golf greens, indoor and outdoor putting greens,


available which also contains special fireproof 

papers for wrapping chewing gum. Stubbi was 

granted the UK patent for this in May 2006. 

Added Ian McCormack: “The Stubbi Golf is 

perfect for golfers who are travelling to watch The 

Open and other large golf events. Golfers respect 

the integrity and rules of the game every time 

they play and we’re therefore confident that those 

who smoke will embrace the need to be litter 

conscious – or they risk being fined the price of a 

good putter!” 

Visit www.stubbi.net for more information or email 

info@stubbi.net. 

• New Huxley Golf distributor appointed in 

the North of England 

Huxley Golf has announced the appointment of a 

new distributor in the north of England to look 

after sales and installations of the entire Huxley 

range of golf practice, teaching and playing aids. 

Trading as Huxley Golf Northern, the new 

52 +44 (0)1580 715248 

Above: Huxley Golf Northern are Simon Townend 

(right) and Richard Lawrence, pictured with the 

demonstration Huxley putting green recently 

installed at the Wilpshire Golf Club. 

company is owned and operated by former 

European Tour player, Simon Townend, and 

Richard Lawrence, a low-handicap golfer with 

extensive experience of the golf market. Huxley 

Golf Northern is located at Unit 18b, Junction 7 

Business Park, Clayton-le-Moors, Accrington, 

Lancashire. 

The area covered by the new business 

encompasses Lancashire, Greater Manchester, 

most of Cheshire, western parts of Yorkshire 

including Leeds and Sheffield, and the counties of 

Northumberland, Cumbria and Durham. 

Products available from Huxley Golf Northern 

include the extensive range of Huxley premier allweather 

surfaces for golf which provide high 

quality, low maintenance alternatives to natural 

turf on golf course tees, practice tees and ranges, 

golf greens, indoor and outdoor putting greens,


paths, cartways, patios and lawns. 

One of the many top golf courses who are 

Huxley customers is the world-famous St Andrews 

Links, having installed recently a large Huxley allweather 

practice tee at its Golf Practice Centre 

and Golf Academy. In addition, eight Major 

Championship winners are among the many 

tournament professionals who practise at home 

on Huxley all-weather greens. 

Huxley Golf Northern’s product line-up also 

includes the range of premier quality Huxley 

Modular Greens which are supplied in kit form for 

DIY installation in just about any location and the 

Huxley Rotanet, a unique fully-retractable golf 

practice net designed for fast, easy assembly 

indoors or outside. 

“Richard and I are delighted to have been 

appointed as a Huxley Golf distributor and installer 

for a very important part of the country,” 

commented Simon Townend. “Trading as Huxley 

Golf Northern, we will be focusing 100 per cent on 

the Huxley range of golf practice, teaching and 

playing aids for which we are confident there will 

be high demand in an area containing many keen 

golfers and a large number of excellent golf clubs, 

academies and ranges. Initial feedback has been 

excellent and we secured our first order within 

days of our appointment.” 

Paul Huxley, a director of Huxley Golf, said that the 

appointment of Simon Townend and Richard 

Lawrence marked a significant step for the 

company in the north of England. “We are 

delighted that Simon and Richard have joined the 

Huxley Golf team and will be using their 

considerable experience and ability to benefit 

Huxley Golf customers in such an important part 

of the country. Working alongside our other 

appointed distributor/installers throughout the 

region, I am sure that Huxley Golf Northern will do 

a first class job for us, backed by comprehensive 

sales, technical and installation support from the 

Huxley Golf team at our Hampshire headquarters. 

We wish them every success in their new 

venture.” 

Tel: + 44 (0)1962 733222 

email: sales@huxleygolf.co.uk 

www.huxleygolf.com 

54 +44 (0)1580 715248 

Above: Leigh Bowers, newly-appointed Sales 

Director and at Turfmech Machinery Ltd. 

• New appointments at TurfMech 

Machinery 

Leigh Bowers has been appointed as Sales 

Director of Turfmech Machinery Ltd, the 

Staffordshire-based manufacturer and supplier of 

turf and grounds maintenance equipment.. 

Formerly Turfmech’s Customer Services Manager, 

Leigh brings to his new position a wealth of 

experience gained in advising and supporting new 

and existing users of the company’s mowers, 

debris blowers and vacuums, greens sweepers, 

precision top dressers, materials handler and the 

Viba-Timer vibration-activated hour meter. 

Graham Probyn has been appointed Customer 

Services Manager. Previously employed as a 

service technician with the company, Graham 

takes over the position of Customers Services 

Manager from Leigh Bowers who is now 

Turfmech’s Sales Director. 

Graham, who joined Turfmech in 2003, has 

been given responsibility for managing and 

developing Turfmech’s acclaimed after-sales parts 

and service operations, working with the existing 

dedicated and experienced staff within the 

company’s parts and service departments.

AJW CONSTRUCTION LTD WELCOMES YOU TO THE WORLD OF HI-NETS. 

FENCING SYSTEMS FOR THE LEISURE INDUSTRY. 

Suspension Netting Systems. 

Designed specifically for ballstop fencing, 

giving huge advantages over conventional 

fences, allows post siting flexibility, 

aesthetically pleasing, more cost effective. 

Mobile Netting Systems. 

Completely movable fences including the 

bases, no groundworks needed. 

Clearspan Roof Nets. 

Clearspan distances you would not believe. 

Repairs/Revamps. 

To existing fencing from net repairs/renewal, 

to total overhaul. 

All our systems & designs are the result of 

15 years of experience supplying & 

Installing ballstop fencing. 

PLEASE CONTACT US NOW, NO MATTER 

HOW SMALL OR LARGE YOUR REQUIREMENT. 

Tel: 01425 622552 

Fax: 01425 611383 

E-mail: enquiries@ajwconstruction.co.uk 

Web: www.hi-nets.co.uk

56 +44 (0)1580 715248 

classifieds • netting • classifieds

classifieds • range equipment • construction • classifieds 

Don't let the weather control 

your game, or your teaching! 

To learn more about how 

can keep your customers dry in the 

rain and cool in the sun contact: 

John Makepeace 

Phone: 01869 249189 

Mobile: 07736 738038 

email: johnmakepeace@btinternet.com 


57

GOLF EUROPE 2007 

YOUR BUSINESS RANGE 

7–9 OCTOBER 2007 

NEW MUNICH TRADE FAIR CENTRE 

15th International Trade Fair for Golf | trade visitors only 

Messe München GmbH | Messegelände | 81823 München, Germany 

Golf Europe hotline (+49 89) 9 49-114 08 | Fax (+49 89) 9 49-114 09 

visitor@golf-europe.com 

Pattern Ltd. | Richmond, Surrey TW9 2LL 

Phone (020) 8940 4625 | Fax (020) 89481442 | info@pattern.co.uk 

WWW.GOLF-EUROPE.COM

classifieds • range equipment • consultants • classifieds 

Consulting 



Phone: +44 (0)1580 715248 

Fax: +44 (0)1580 714516 

Email: colin@golfconsult.co.uk 


New builds 

Refurbishment 


Feasibility 


59

60 +44 (0)1580 715248 

classifieds • miscellaneous • classifieds 

BILL WOODMAN'S 

GOLF WHOLESALE 

1. Callaway Sport Classic Stripe Saddle Shoes, Colour: White, 

Size Breakdown: 2/7, 2/8, 3/8.5, 2/9, 1/9.5, 2/10, 

1 Unit of 12 Pairs of Shoes For £264.00 

2. Mens End-of-Line Shirts, 12 Shirts From The Adidas Spring 

07 Climalite Range, Size Breakdown: 2/Sm, 4/Med, 4/Lrg, 

2/XL + 12 End-of-Line Ashworth Plain Shirts From Previous 

Seasons, Size Breakdown: 2/Sm, 5/Med, 4/Lrg, 1/XL, Very 

Good Overall Mix of Colours, 1 Unit of 24 Shirts For £260.00 

3. Ram All-Weather Gloves, Men's Left-Hand, All-Weather with 

Leather Patches and Nylon Inserts, Will Sell Easily at £5.99 

each, Size Breakdown: 4/Sm, 9/Med, 9/Lrg, 1 Unit of 22 

Gloves For £44.00 or 1 Unit of 44 Gloves For £79.00 

4. Men's Howson 'Fireblade' Package Sets, Men's Left-Hand, 

Stainless Irons, Matrix Woods, 

Set Consists of 9 Irons, 3 Woods, Putter, Cart Bag and 

Headcovers, Graphite Shafts, 1 Package Set For £42.00 or 

1 Unit of 2 Package Sets For £78.00 

5. Wilson Ultra Stand + Cart Bags, 2 Colours Available, 

Any Combination of 4 Bags For £70.00 

TO PLACE AN ORDER OR FOR MORE INFO RING: 

020 86621 652 or 

e-mail ninafox@golfinsurrey.com 

COMPREHENSIVE CLEARANCE LIST AVAILABLE. 

BILL WOODMAN'S GOLF WHOLESALE 

175 LONG LANE, 

CROYDON CR0 7TE 

Used Mowers For Sale 

John Deere 3235A Fairways mower 1700hours £3000 

John Deere 3235 Fairways mower 2100hours £2750 

Toro 5200 Fairways mower 2300hrs £4250 

Toro 5400 Fairways mower yr2003 1300hrs £6000 

Toro 3200D Greens mower 1500hrs £2750 

Toro 3200D Greens mower 1600hrs £2750 

Kubota B2400 compact tractor with midmounted 

62in' cutting deck 2400hrs £5000 

Kubota G1700 677hrs £2250 

John Deere Bunker Rake (picture) 1200hrs £2500 

Toro Bunker Rake 1700hrs £2500 

Many other mowers in stock please ring for further details: 

Gerald Parkinson 07714594342 

FOR SALE 

12500 Top Flite Super Range balls, boxed, 

ready for collection/delivery. 10p each + 

VAT 

Plymouth Golf Centre Tel: 01752 493200 

FOR SALE 

Range Servant Ball Dispenser: approx 6000 ball 

capacity, 6' x 3' 6", galvanised, 10 years old. 

Working order, very reliable. Open to offers. 

Telephone : Richard on 01639 888400 

OGRO Premium Members 

can advertise their second hand range 

equipment for FREE 6 times each year 

See details on page 41

Ocean Design are 

delighted to launch the 

new web site for GRN 

Not only have we given the GRN web site a smart new look but we 

have also installed our fully featured content management system 

that allows the staff at GRN to update the site themselves, whenever 

they want. They can add as many pages as they like with just a few 

clicks of the mouse. Its quick and easy, just the way it should be! 

www.ocean-design.co.uk 

“Ocean Design have done a fantastic job 

with our new website. It is very easy for us 

to manage the content of the site and we 

can now improve the service we offer to the 

golf industry in a simple and time efficient 

manner. I would recommend Ocean Design 

to anyone in the golf business.” 

Colin Jenkins. Editor, Golf Range News 

Call us today on 01580 213516

“Power Tee put my ball sales up by 35% last year, not only that it’s attracting far 

more new golfers to my range than I thought was possible which has had dramatic 

effects in other areas too, in fact I’ve never seen my bar and restaurant busier” 

Ed McCausland, owner Trent Lock Golf Centre 

6 

6 

6 

QUALITY 

Made in Great Britain from the highest grade materials, 

machined to the highest tolerances with the best 

components money can buy. This means we can offer a 5 

year warranty. 

SERVICE 

Patented Ball Engine system containing all 

moving parts which can be changed in a 

matter of seconds by a semi-skilled employee. 

Return to base for repair – average return 

time 3.4 working days. 

RELIABILITY 

The system is in operation 

from the South of Spain 

to the North of Scotland, 

from mobile platforms 

to permanent concrete 

installations. 

This product offers 

unrivalled reliability. 

“Providing Power Tee to golfers on a commercial range should be the absolute 

minimum standard, it is as important as providing good balls and good mats 

and is the future” 

Terry Healy, owner Portsmouth Golf Centre

Golf Range News Sept 2007.pdf - Global Ranges

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