BIGGA’s Virtual National Regional Conference
Videos from this event are available on the Continue to Learn Extra page. You will need a password from the event organisers to view these.
The programme:
From Lockdown to the Rose Ladies Series
When Justin Rose and his wife Kate announced the Rose Ladies Series, a one-off Ladies European Tour event, shortly after golf reopened following lockdown, the greenkeeping team at the JCB Country Club in Uttoxeter had their work cut out for them - to get the golf course into shape for a behind closed doors, COVID safe, televised tournament – all with one month’s notice!
Presented by Callum Wark, Golf Course Manager, JCB Country Club
Speaker Profile
An NC in greenkeeping from Elmwood College led Callum to his first full time role at Loch Lomond Golf Club. In his six years at the club he worked at three Barclay’s Scottish Open’s and achieved his HNC in Golf Course Management.
After completing a two-year turf programme with Rutgers University in the USA, Callum made the move to JCB in Uttoxeter. As a senior greenkeeper at the start of the construction he played a key role in the finishing and grow in of the golf course, transitioning into the position of head greenkeeper and now golf course manager.
The Renovation of Loch Lomond
Since winter 2017/18 the team at Loch Lomond and golf construction contractors Golflink have almost completed what’s considered to be one of the biggest renovations in British golfing history. Taking place over three consecutive winters, in one of the wettest locations in the UK, 16 holes have been rebuilt, a new irrigation system installed, a full rebuild, extension and new forwards tees added, bunkers rebuilt as well as the renewal of the all-important drainage infrastructure, sand cap and re-grassing plan across the golf course. The last 2 holes are planned to be completed this winter (if no covid lockdowns restrictions)
Presented by David Cole MG, Director of Golf Course and Estates, Loch Lomond Golf Club
Personal Profile
David began his greenkeeping career as an apprentice at Dumbarton Golf Club before joining Loch Lomond as First Assistant Greenkeeper in 1994. After spending 18 months travelling and working in America in 1997-98, he returned to Loch Lomond, becoming Assistant Superintendent in 1999 and then Superintendent in 2003. In 2008 he became Golf Course and Estates Manager, progressing to his current role of Director of Golf Course and Estates. David achieved his Master Greenkeeper Certificate in 2014.
Simple Steps to Encourage Wildlife on the Golf Course
Golf courses can play an important part in the conservation of rare and protected species. With fantastic green spaces, that offer significant opportunities, to provide desperately needed sanctuaries for wildlife. This session will help you to consider some simple low cost, low resource ideas that you could do on your golf course to make a difference.
Presented by Dr Marie Athorn, Business Conservation Advisor (R&A), RSPB
Speaker Profile
Marie has a PhD from the University of Nottingham on the biodiversity benefits of constructed wetland habitats and has previously worked in ecological consultancy. Joining the RSPB in January 2020 she has undertaken the new role of Business Conservation Advisor to The R&A as part of the new partnership between the RSPB and The R&A. Conservation and ecology have always been her passion and have shaped her career path. Marie has played golf her whole life and this role has provided her with the opportunity to increase awareness and support for biodiversity conservation on golf courses.
2019 - Parkstone’s Busiest Season On and Off the Course
To say that the Parkstone greenkeeping team had an exceptional 2019 might be a bit of an understatement. In this session you will hear about their experiences including the development of their new maintenance facility, delivering the Ladies European Amateur Championship and managing one of the busiest courses on the South Coast.
Presented by Grant Peters, Course Manager, Parkstone Golf Club
Speaker Profile
Whilst on work placement for his HND in Golf and Leisure Management at Loch Lomond Golf Club, Grant was introduced to greenkeeping. Upon completion of a BA Honours in Leisure Management he returned to Loch Lomond to become part of the greenkeeping team.
In 2009, after 10 years at Loch Lomond, Grant became Deputy Course Manager at Lough Erne Golf Course in Northern Ireland. He returned to Scotland to take up his first Course Manager position at Linlithgow Golf Club where he remained for 5 years. Projects included draining 10 greens, tackling some extreme organic matter issues and completing the 1st phase of a full renovation project of bunkers and greens surround before moving to Parkstone Golf Club as Course in 2015.
Seven Things I've Learned About Turf Around the World
Take a fast-paced look at seven things that can be learnt from turf around the world:
Presented by Dr Micah Woods, Chief Scientist, Asian Turfgrass Center
Speaker Profile
Micah Woods, Ph.D., is the founder and chief scientist of the Asian Turfgrass Center. Since graduating from Oregon State University in 1998, Micah has been traveling extensively, collecting data, and advising turfgrass managers across Asia, Australia, North America, and Europe. From 2001 to 2005, he was in New York to study with Frank Rossi at Cornell University. The broad scope of his research on grasses around the world led to his collaboration with scientists from PACE Turf to create the MLSN guidelines which are applicable to turf in all climate zones, or as he says, "any grass, anywhere." You can read more about Micah’s unique take on tending turfgrass in his book, A Short Grammar of Greenkeeping, as well as on his website, www.asianturfgrass.com.
