United Kingdom
February 16, 2016
Since installing a Barenbrug bespoke grass seed mix, Tandridge Golf Club in Surrey has seen its water bill halved.
The top 100 UK golf course is built on sand, leaving it exceptionally susceptible to drought. In 2008, the club procured three 84,000 gallon water tanks in an effort to reduce water costs and ease it through periods of drought.
Course manager, Ian Dye says: “Maintaining healthy grass cover is critical to attracting and retaining members—but the water costs are expensive. Since switching to the Barenbrug mix two years ago, we’re using at least half the amount of water we were using before.
He continues: “When choosing a grass seed mix, it pays to look at the overall, long term cost—to feed and water over a number of years. You’ll soon see it’s a false economy to use a cheaper seed. Healthier grass with good aesthetics really does contribute to the bottom line of your club.”
Barenbrug Research and Development Manager, Dr David Greenshields, says: “Tandridge needed exceptional drought tolerance: the two main components treated by Barolympic (the #1 perennial ryegrass in Table L1 BSPB Turfgrass Seed 2016). It’s also very fine leafed and pale, so it’s fantastic for traditional style golf courses. For Tandridge, we tweaked the blend, adding in some Hardtop hard fescue, to lock in an additional layer of drought tolerance.”
It was the school summer holidays. Iain Dye, just 16 years old and wondering which path to take in life, took up work experience at Elie Golf Course in Scotland—curious to learn more about his favourite sport. After just one week, his mind was made up. He quit school that year and never looked back.
Iain went on to do an apprenticeship at St Andrews, including five years on the famous Old Course. Next, a move to Tandridge Golf Course—where in 2013 he took the role of Course Manager. Today he faces many challenges under a club with big plans and a membership with even bigger expectations.
Iain says: “There are lots of large and highly regarded clubs here in Surrey—it’s an affluent area—and golf is busy year round. So member’s expectations are through the roof. Clubs really have to compete.”
Six years ago the club, (Designed by Harry Colt in 1924) embarked on a complete architectural review, updating and lengthening the course and adding new bunkers.
Iain continues: “It’s our goal to become one of the best clubs in the South East. My part in that is to improve the playing surfaces. The course is built on sand, and members love its fast and fiery play. So it was important to maintain that, but to improve grass cover throughout.”
Iain had been a big fan of Barenbrug since his St Andrews days. But it was during one of his regular chats with seed supplier, Gary Ogilvie, from Avoncrop Amenity Products Ltd., that they decided to take things up a level. So Iain turned to Barenbrug Research and Development Manager, Dr David Greenshields.
David Greenshields, says: “As well as better grass cover, Tandridge needed exceptional drought tolerance: the two main components treated by Barolympic (the #1 perennial ryegrass in Table L1 BSPB Turfgrass Seed 2016). It’s also very fine leafed and pale, so it’s fantastic for traditional style golf courses. For Tandridge, we tweaked the blend, adding in some Hardtop hard fescue, to lock in an additional layer of drought tolerance.”
Iain’s next job was to convince the membership to invest in the bespoke mix—he calls the “Rolls Royce of grass seed”. He says: “I set up my own seed trials; built a plot, weighed out five different seeds and treated them with the same water and feed. As I expected, the Barenbrug seed came out superior to all the other manufacturers’ seeds. Both germination rate and colour were markedly different—nobody could believe it!”
His plan worked and the membership committee were instantly convinced. And, in just two years, the club has seen its rankings in England’s top 100 golf courses rise by 20 places.
Water bill cut in half
Since installing the bespoke mix, Iain guestimates the club has halved its water bill; it’s clear the investment in Barenbrug has more than paid for itself.
He clarifies: “We’re using at least half the water we were using before. Barenbrug might be a little more expensive than other brands, but it pays to look at the overall, long term cost—to feed and water over a number of years. You’ll soon see it’s a false economy to use a cheaper seed. Healthier grass with good aesthetics contributes to the bottom line of your club. Plus happy players boost club numbers and membership loyalty.
Gary adds: “People don’t realise Barenbrug has the capability to design specific mixes to suit unique conditions. Between Avoncrop and Barenbrug, we can now provide both specialist greenkeeping advice and the products to back it up. Under our guidance, Tandridge has undertaken some major overseeding works with the special mix and seen improved grass cover, drought tolerance and good aesthetics.”
Iain summarises: “To have members say they are the best tees they’ve ever seen in 50 or 60 years, is more than pleasing. Since 2013 we’ve done lots and lots of remedial and renovation work; always putting Barenbrug seed back in the tees. Now they are just amazing: with germination and colonisation rates never seen before. Everyone has commented on the improvement, including the English ladies amateur stroke players. Even our club secretary is delighted—and that’s saying something (there’s no tougher nut to crack than him!)
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