September 2026 The surface matters
Precision and support at Royal Dornoch At Royal Dornoch Golf Club, one of the world’s most highly regarded links courses, maintaining exceptional playing surfaces starts with ensuring every cutting unit performs accurately and consistently. Head Mechanic Willie Nicholson has worked at the club for almost two decades and relies on a Hunter Jupiter ATI grinder to keep cylinders and bottom blades prepared to the required standard. Royal Dornoch’s relationship with Hunter Grinders stretches back even further, with the club having operated an earlier Hunter
machine before upgrading to its current Jupiter ATI in 2006.
parts support, servicing and practical training.
Nearly 20 years later, the grinder continues to provide the precision the workshop demands. Its ability to relief grind, spin grind and grind bottom blades on one machine gives the team confidence that cutting units are returned to the correct specification, helping support a clean, consistent quality of cut.
“David’s always at the end of the phone,” says Willie. “When I first took over the workshop, he talked me through settings, what to look for and exactly what to do.”
Just as important is the support behind the machine. Throughout the Jupiter’s working life, Hunter Grinders has continued to provide technical advice,
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For Royal Dornoch, the value of the Jupiter is therefore measured not simply in years of service, but in the precision it continues to deliver and the technical support that has stood behind it throughout its working life. Hunter Grinders
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BIGGA to lead next chapter of Golf Environment Awards two experienced BIGGA staff members, Education Director Rob Phillips and Membership Director Scott Reeves. In a return to the former process, a member of the panel will personally visit each short-listed venue and speak to the key individuals involved. BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said: “Golf courses across the country and beyond are home to outstanding environmental work, much of it led by greenkeepers whose expertise and commitment can too easily go unseen. The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) is proud to announce the return of the Golf Environment Awards in 2027 following an agreement with STRI Group.
until October, with the winners announced at the ceremony on 19 March 2027 at Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club.
Nominations are now open for the refreshed Golf Environment Awards supported by BIGGA and STRI. Entries for the five categories will be accepted
This panel comprises two highly respected industry figures, ecologist James Hutchinson and sustainability expert Craig Boath, along with
The awards will be decided by a panel of four expert judges.
“It is important that this contribution is properly recognised, both to celebrate those setting high standards and to demonstrate the positive role golf can play in protecting and enhancing the natural environment. “The Golf Environment Awards supported by BIGGA and STRI provide a valuable platform for that recognition, shining
The refreshed programme for The Golf Environment Awards supported by BIGGA and STRI will feature five categories:
meaningful environmental benefits, supported by clear objectives, measurable targets and evidence of continued success.
The Conservation Champion Award will recognise an individual whose contribution has played a significant role in the success of a club’s environmental and ecological management, creating a positive impact on the surrounding landscape and biodiversity.
The Operation Pollinator Award will recognise golf clubs that consistently deliver outstanding ecological habitat creation and management.
The Positive Impact Award will celebrate a golf club that has implemented an ecological or sustainability initiative delivering
a light on excellent practice and giving those responsible the credit they deserve for the difference they make daily. We are grateful to STRI Group for its excellent work developing
Sweepers, Collectors, Blowers & Vacs Maintaining standards at all times Pages 18-19
The International Environmental Golf Club of the Year and UK Environmental Golf Club of the Year awards will recognise facilities demonstrating efficient management across nature conservation, turfgrass, waste and water.
the awards over the years, and we will continue to build on that strong legacy.”
Weed & Pest Control Tackling the problem areas successfully Page 20
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CUTTING EXCELLENCE
THE PROFESSIONAL’S CHOICE FOR THE PERFECT FINISH For more information or a no obligation demonstration call 01332 824777 or visit www.dennisuk.com
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