Toro irrigation delivers immediate and noticeable results for Royal St David’s
The new Toro irrigation system at Royal St David’s has brought almost immediate changes and noticeable results to the traditional links course on the west coast of North Wales. The project involving Toro, Reesink Hydro-Scapes, Adrian Mortram Associates and Green Irrigation has increased membership, income and ranking for the club.
Links Manager Rhys Butler says: “The goal was to irrigate just the right amount to keep the grass alive, we wanted to promote the fast-running links game, without overwatering and having soft surfaces.
“We suffered a series of dry springs and droughts, and the fairways especially were struggling for recovery. We needed a system that could give us control of the moisture on all areas to keep good grass coverage and consistency of playing surfaces even in times of drought.”
With an incredible 46 years of service from the club’s previous Toro system, Rhys was impressed with Toro’s performance and longevity and how it had met the course’s needs. He was also impressed with the service from Reesink Hydro-Scapes, which meant he didn’t look anywhere else when the time came to proceed with the full upgrade.
The project commenced in the spring of 2022 and completed in early November of the same year. All new mains and controls were required as was full fairway irrigation for the first time. The club chose the Flex series of sprinklers on greens and fairways, T5 Rapidsets sprinklers on all tee surfaces and 590GF sprinklers for newly installed walkways and the entire system is controlled using Toro’s Lynx Control System with LSM technology.
Robert Jackson, Division Manager for Reesink Hydro-Scapes, explains how the system has provided Rhys and his team with to-the-second runtime accuracy across all newly installed stations via either the central controller or remotely using Toro’s smart app.
He says, “Using the app in the field gave a level of flexibility and control to be able to water dry spots, water in wetting agents and be minimalistic with water application as is natural for a links course. Water is now used wisely, as and when it is needed.”
At conception of the installation the grass was visibly starting to strain and as each hole was turned on the difference was almost immediately noticeable to members thanks to the new irrigation system accuracy and targeted watering.
The result is healthy turfgrasses and maximised efficiency of resources, to which Rhys adds: “The project was a resounding success and has transformed Royal St David’s Golf Club: membership has increased, visitor income has doubled, and our rankings have improved. This is because the irrigation system has given us moisture control on the golf course to produce great playing surfaces.”
Further details on the project can be found at reesink-hydroscapes.co.uk.
The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service Partner with West Cliffs to Advance Sustainable Golf Course Management
West Cliffs Golf Links, one of Portugal’s most acclaimed golf courses, has partnered with The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service to enhance its commitment to environmentally sustainable golf course management.
This collaboration will see The R&A share its global expertise and cutting-edge research with West Cliffs, providing tailored guidance on sustainable agronomic practices. Key areas of focus include optimising resource management, improving soil health, and promoting biodiversity while maintaining exceptional playing conditions.
“Working with The R&A represents an important step in our sustainability journey,” said Francisco Cadete, Golf Director of West Cliffs. “Their guidance will support our efforts to achieve long-term sustainability while continuing to deliver a world-class golfing experience.”
The partnership underscores West Cliffs’ dedication to responsible resource use and environmental stewardship, setting a new benchmark for sustainable practices within the European golf industry.
Paul Woodham, The R&A Head of Agronomy Europe, commented: “We are delighted to collaborate with West Cliffs on this important initiative. This partnership highlights our shared commitment to balancing outstanding course conditions with environmental responsibility, demonstrating how sustainable agronomy can shape the future of golf.”
Through this collaboration, West Cliffs aims to inspire other clubs and resorts to adopt eco-conscious practices, responding to the growing demand for sustainable golf.
For more information about The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service, please contact sustainableagronomy@randa.org or visit www.randa.org/sustainability/agronomy.
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PowaKaddy Sets New Industry Standard with Revolutionary 2025 Electric Trolley Range
Innovative new FX1 opens the door to electric trolleys, while the CT12 GPS redefines innovation and performance for the category
PowaKaddy, the world’s leading electric trolley brand, has unveiled its most forward-thinking electric trolley range yet, with the repositioned FX1 taking centre stage as the most accessible high-performance trolley in the brand’s history. Brand-new for 2025 is the CT12 GPS featuring FULL HOLE View on its 5” portrait touchscreen, the most technologically advanced electric trolley ever produced by PowaKaddy - marking a significant milestone in both innovation and accessibility and setting new standards within the industry.
The FX1 embodies PowaKaddy’s desire to make electric trolley technology available to more golfers than ever before. Under the banner ‘Start Your Electric Adventures’, the FX1 is designed as an entry-level option that doesn’t compromise on design, quality or performance, the FX1 is built on the same current generation FX platform as the rest of the category leading range and is packed with PowaKaddy’s latest innovations. From the high-performance Plug’n’Play™ 30v battery system, a new USB-C fast charging port, the renowned 1-click folding system and the all-new Mag-Lok® bag attachment technology, this model delivers the reliability and functionality expected from the world’s best-selling electric trolley brand.
The next generation of PowaKaddy GPS trolleys have FULL HOLE View portrait displays, meaning what you see on the display is a true representation of what is in front of you on the golf course. After all, golf holes tend to be long and narrow, so why compromise on the size or position of the hole on your GPS screen?
At the forefront of the 2025 collection is the CT12 GPS, the most technologically advanced electric trolley PowaKaddy has ever produced. Boasting a 5” HD portrait touchscreen display - the largest on the market - this revolutionary model introduces FULL HOLE View, providing golfers with a fully immersive groundbreaking visual experience. The new 1.1GHz processor, which is nine times faster, ensures seamless GPS performance with subscription free, instant access to over 40,000 golf courses in FULL HOLE View, while features such as Auto-Zoom, Drop Flag Technology, and Advanced Green View offer an unparalleled on-course experience. The patented fold-away display makes the CT12 GPS ultra-compact and transport-friendly, allowing golfers to enjoy premium GPS functionality without compromising on convenience.
Further strengthening the PowaKaddy ultra-compact GPS range is the new CT10 GPS.
Sharing many of the advanced integrated GPS technologies and game tracking features of the CT12 GPS, the CT10 GPS features a 3.5” portrait touch display, delivering the FULL HOLE View experience with 50% greater hole viewing area than conventional widescreen displays.
Beyond the FX1, CT10 GPS and CT12 GPS, PowaKaddy’s FX and CT ranges continue to lead the market. The FX3 and FX5 retain their reputation for understated elegance and premium performance with full-colour widescreen displays and USB-C fast charging ports. The CT range, which also includes the CT6, CT8 GPS – with the CT6 remaining the UK’s best-selling trolley by units sold for the last 3 years.
In the fast-growing remote-control trolley sector, PowaKaddy is launching a full new range with the RX, RX10 GPS, and RX12 GPS. The RX12 GPS becomes the world’s first 5” touchscreen GPS remote trolley with FULL HOLE View, providing a completely hands-free, high-tech experience for golfers who demand the ultimate in convenience and control.
Engineered with a slimline remote-control handset offering a 50-metre range, both the RX12 GPS and RX10 GPS offer full touchscreen GPS displays, reinforcing PowaKaddy’s position at the cutting edge of electric trolley development. The all-new RX provides a more accessible entry point into remote-controlled trolley technology, delivering PowaKaddy’s industry-leading remote features in a format that is simpler than ever to use.
David Catford, CEO of PowaKaddy, emphasised the significance of this launch for both the trade and the wider golf industry: “The FX1 is a game-changer. We have responded to demand for a high-tech, high-quality entry-level electric trolley that brings new golfers into the category while maintaining the premium experience PowaKaddy is known for. It provides an accessible price point without sacrificing performance, ensuring that more golfers than ever can benefit from electric trolley technology.”
He added: “At the other end of the spectrum, the CT12 GPS and RX12 GPS are our most advanced trolleys yet. The sheer level of technology integrated into these models sets a new standard in the industry, and we’re delivering a fully immersive GPS experience that is years ahead of the competition.”