22 January 2021
This year the conference returns to Broadbeach, Queensland for the first time since 2014 with the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre playing host from 21-24 June.
Read More22 December 2020
In the final article of this series on water management and irrigation, John Neylan looks at the issue of water quality and availability and assessing the suitability of alternative water sources.
Read More18 December 2020
The ASTMA’s Australian Turfgrass Management Journal was recognised at the 2020 Australian Golf Media Awards which were held online last night.
Read More08 December 2020
In the second part of this edition’s look at irrigation and water management, Bruce Macphee outlines ways turf managers can improve their irrigation system’s efficiency.
Read More03 December 2020
The Australian Sports Turf Managers Association is delighted to announce continued support and discounts offered to Association members for attending the 2021 Sports Turf Leadership Forums.
Read More01 December 2020
After what has already been a difficult year for many turf facilities around the country, turf managers across all sectors are now gearing up for the warmer months and the many challenges that can present.
Read More26 November 2020
Metricon Stadium would end up hosting a total of 44 games in the 2020 AFL Premiership season, 42 of those coming in a 14-week stretch between 13 June and 20 September.
Read More21 November 2020
The team at John Deere have provided an update regarding applications for The Players Championship (TPC) Sawgrass Volunteer Program for 2021.
Read More20 November 2020
To assist sports turf managers through circuit breaker restrictions in South Australia, the ASTMA has developed Essential Maintenance Statement for both Golf Courses and Sportsfields & Grounds that can be utilised to determine essential work to reduce damage or loss
Read More19 November 2020
The ASTMA has provided a number of updates to South Australian Sports Turf Managers following the SA Government announcing the Stay at Home requirements for South Australia as a Circuit Breaker to the current COVID-19 outbreak.
Read More19 November 2020
Today we spend 5 minutes with Paul Chalmers (CSTM), Ground Manager at St Aloysius’ College in Sydney, as well as part time lecturer of Turf Management and Horticulture at Ryde College.
Read More17 November 2020
Kate Torgersen looks at a unique initiative on the Gold Coast which is seeing golf courses play a key role in providing safe havens and food sources for an Australian icon.
Read More12 November 2020
The Australian Sports Turf Managers Association has created a segment to help the turf industry stay connected. Today we spend 5 minutes with... Wes Saunders (CSTM), Course Manager at Dunblane New Golf Club in Stirling, Scotland.
Read More10 November 2020
Today we spend 5 minutes with... Ben Tilley, Superintendent, Headland Golf Club. Tilley has been superintendent at Headland since 2007 and prior to that was an assistant at Twin Waters Golf Club and superintendent at Beerwah Golf Club.
Read More06 November 2020
After launching the Sports Turf Manager Certification Program in June 2020, interest in the Program continues to grow, with October seeing the first 100 Members earning themselves the industry professional designation as a Certified Sports Turf Manager.
Read More05 November 2020
Head Curator at Adelaide Oval, as well as a director on the board of The ASTMA. Hough has been part of the Grounds Department at the Adelaide Oval since 1996.
Read More04 November 2020
Today we spend 5 minutes with... Idris Evans, Superintendent at The Western Australian Golf Club. Idris has been with the club for 34 years, and has held the role of Superintendent for the last 21 years.
Read More29 October 2020
The Australian Sports Turf Managers Association has created a segment to help the turf industry stay connected. Today we spend 5 minutes with... Dave Thomson, Superintendent at Bermagui Country Club.
Read More27 October 2020
Today we spend 5 minutes with... Peter Lonergan, Superintendent, Coolangatta and Tweed Heads Golf Club. Peter has been in the role of Super at Coolangatta for 21 years, also holding the role of President of the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association.
Read More22 October 2020
With many events postponed due to current challenges, the opportunity to meet new and catch up peers across the turf industry is limited, so we’re taking 5 minutes to ensure that turf managers can get to know members from other areas of the industry.
Read More21 October 2020
There is a huge amount of research and literature on thatch, and Phil Ford puts a focus on two of the more important aspects of thatch - the effects on root growth and perched water tables.
Read More20 October 2020
The Australian Sports Turf Managers Association has created a segment to help the turf industry stay connected. Today we spend 5 minutes with... Bruce Davies, Turf Lecturer - Canberra Institute of Technology.
Read More18 October 2020
In the latest Sports Turf Manager industry advocacy video, we feature Michael Salvatore, executive manager for turf at The MCG.
Read More16 October 2020
Providing an adequate turf maintenance program in place, the growing environment has the greatest impact on the performance of turfgrass. To maintain healthy turf it is critical that shade is addressed to ensure adequate sunlight and air movement.
Read More15 October 2020
Kew Golf Club in Melbourne is the 2020 recipient of the coveted ASTMA Claude Crockford Environment and Sustainability Award, presented in conjunction with Gold Partner Syngenta.
Read More13 October 2020
The Australian Sports Turf Managers Association spends 5 Minutes with Cameron Hall, Superintendent at Kew Golf Club in Victoria.
Read More12 October 2020
Today, the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association takes 5 minutes to talk with our very own Senior Agronomist, Bruce MacPhee.
Read More09 October 2020
Anthony Mills and The Lakes Golf Club were recently bestowed the ASTMA Excellence in Golf Course Management Award, presented in conjunction with Bayer.
Read More08 October 2020
Being a Sports Turf Manager is a difficult job, and one element often noted as being a particularly challenging part of the role is leading people - and here we take a look at the results of a recent survey into the Top 10 Leadership Skills that people managers need.
Read More07 October 2020
The Australian Sports Turf Managers Association has created a segment to help the turf industry stay connected.
Read More05 October 2020
The Australian Sports Turf Managers Association spends 5 Minutes With Luke Armstrong, Sportsground Coordinator & St Kilda FC AFLW Project Coordinator.
Read More02 October 2020
Today we spend 5 Minutes With... Tony McFadyean (CSTM), Course Superintendent at Nedlands Golf Club, WA.
Read More01 October 2020
Jay Infanti (CSTM), Course Superintendent at The Eastern Golf Club & Yering Gorge Cottages in Yering VIC.
Read More30 September 2020
The Australian Sports Turf Managers Association is creating a segment to help the turf industry stay connected. We’re looking for ways to ensure we stay connected and to ensure that turf managers can get to know members from other areas of the industry.
Read More29 September 2020
The Australian Sports Turf Managers Association is creating a segment to help the turf industry stay connected. We’re looking for ways to ensure we stay connected and to ensure that turf managers can get to know members from other areas of the industry.
Read More23 September 2020
On 23 September 2020, the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association (ASTMA) in conjunction with other global superintendent and turf management organisations, is recognising the first international “Thank a Superintendent Day”
Read More18 September 2020
With the support of the Melbourne Football Club, the Melbourne Cricket Club and the MCG, Santa Teresa residents are transforming their once dusty football oval into a lush, green paddock.
Read More17 September 2020
The Australian Sports Turf Managers Association have worked with the Black Dog Institute to provide a range of information and resources to the turf industry and opportunities for assistance for yourself, or your team.
Read More16 September 2020
Following discussions with the Queensland government and key stakeholders, the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia will postpone the Australian PGA Championship to 18-21 February 2021
Read More10 September 2020
On 23 September 2020, the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association in conjunction with other global superintendent and turf management organisations, is recognising turf professionals with the first international “Thank a Superintendent Day” encouraging all those who love golf to thank their course’s turf management professionals.
Read More04 September 2020
The Australian Golf Industry Council (AGIC) has released a first-of-its-kind three-hour-long slow TV production that promotes the mental health benefits of golf.
Read More01 September 2020
The Australian Sports Turf Managers Association is delighted to announce the addition of two new National Awards for the turf industry, acknowledging and recognising the contribution of sports turf management professionals.
Read More27 August 2020
With cool and wet conditions prevailing so far in 2020 and with it the early and prolonged emergence of Poa annua, some turf managers have noticed a lack of efficacy with their pre-emergent herbicide applications. John Neylan takes a closer look at how these important chemicals work and some of the factors that can impact their success.
Read More24 August 2020
Golf Australia has appointed James Sutherland its new chief executive, commencing from 1 October after an exhaustive recruitment process had yielded several quality candidates for the position.
Read More20 August 2020
The Players Championship in early March became golf’s first high profile victim of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the PGA Tour cancelling the tournament after the opening round. For the four turf managers who were there as part of the ASTMA and John Deere sponsored TPC Volunteer Program, it was an experience they won’t likely forget.
Read More12 August 2020
At today's 2020 Annual General Meeting, Peter Lonergan was confirmed as the new president of the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association, replacing Brett Balloch who has stood down after eight years on the ASTMA Board.
Read More11 August 2020
The Middle East has seen some significant golf facilities developed over the years, but none quite compare to Education City Golf Club in Qatar.
Read More06 August 2020
In June, the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association announced the launch of a Golf Course Sustainability Project in Australia, and a group of 25 Australian Golf Clubs have been selected to take part in the 2020 Golf Course Sustainability Project.
Read More04 August 2020
The Board of the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association is delighted to make a significant announcement today, with the appointment of Damian Hough, Head Curator at the Adelaide Oval, to the Board of the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association (ASTMA).
Read More03 August 2020
In the latest Sports Turf Manager industry advocacy video, we feature Hayden Mead, Superintendent at Kingston Heath, host course of the 2020/2021 Australian Open.
Read More03 August 2020
Following on from recent announcements from the Victorian Government relating to industry and business operations under the State of Disaster due to COVID-19, we can provide an update to Victorian members on the advice received this afternoon
Read More03 August 2020
The has developed industry statement outlining essential maintenance requirements for Sports Turf Managers for Golf Courses and Sportsfields & Grounds in Victoria (and other locations) during COVID-19 Restrictions.
Read More31 July 2020
Anthony Mills, course superintendent at The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney, has won the 2020 ASTMA Excellence in Golf Course Management Award, presented in partnership with Silver Partner Bayer.
Read More28 July 2020
The 105th edition of the Australian Open was to have been held in November, with multiple dates having been on the table. But Brookhouse said public health considerations had been the main reason behind making the decision to postpone.
Read More22 July 2020
Golfers have always known the courses they play on offer more than just a round of golf. They know that courses can also play a significant role in the protection and development of our environment.
Read More21 July 2020
The Sports Turf Managers Certification (CSTM) is an industry wide professional certification for turf managers, administered by the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association (ASTMA), the peak industry body for Sports Turf Management in Australia.
Read More16 July 2020
Kew Golf Club in Melbourne’s inner eastern suburbs has won the 2020 ASTMA Claude Crockford Environment and Sustainability Award, presented in conjunction with ASTMA Gold Partner Syngenta.
Read More14 July 2020
The Board of the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association is pleased to announce the release of its Annual Report for 2019/2020 for Members.
Read More06 July 2020
The Australian Sports Turf Managers Association are launching a one year project to a range of Golf Courses in Australia, in conjunction with the GEO to review and tailor the OnCourse® sustainability platform for the Australian environment.
Read More03 July 2020
Last September, after an intensive 16-month redevelopment, Killara Golf Club in Sydney reopened its new-look course to an eager membership. Course superintendent Ryan Fury looks back at the all-consuming project, some of its many innovative aspects and the lessons learned along the way.
Read More03 July 2020
Interest in the Certification Program has been overwhelming, with a significant milestone passed in only three weeks. The first 50 Members have passed the Assessment, earning themselves the professional designation as Certified Sports Turf Managers.
Read More02 July 2020
Toro Australia, a proud supporter of the Graduate of the Year Awards for over 20 years, announces the winners of the Graduate of the Year Awards for 2019/20
Read More25 June 2020
These advocacy videos highlight the benefits of choosing Sports Turf Management as a career, the great work opportunities, and illustrates the similarities in skills, commitment and passion shared across the industry by all professional Sports Turf Managers.
Read More18 June 2020
The Australian Sports Turf Managers Association in conjunction with John Deere Golf, are excited to announce the launch of The Players Championship (TPC) Volunteer Program for 2021.
Read More16 June 2020
Together with the Victorian Skills Commissioner, the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association has released its first advocacy initiative video on establishing and growing pathways to support sports turf management training and apprenticeships.
Read More12 June 2020
Continuing its commitment to deliver professional development education and training to members, the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association will be hosting a range of 45 minute live webinars with a range of local and international Turf experts
Read More11 June 2020
During a recent geotechnical survey, AGCSATech found a significant layer of black montmorillonite clay, not far below the surface of a bowling green, which has a history of subsidence across one corner of the green.
Read More02 June 2020
UTAS Stadium in Launceston has long been regarded as Tasmania’s home of AFL. It has become a primary hub for state and community football and cricket, carrying a reputation for being one of the best presented and conditioned boutique stadiums in Australia.
Read More28 May 2020
The COVID-19 global pandemic has changed the world as we know it and like many industries the sports turf management profession has been hit hard. ATM takes a look at how Australian turf managers have navigated their way through a forever-changing operating environment.
Read More21 May 2020
As a member of one of our international allied associations, GCSAA is offering you free learning opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read More14 May 2020
The ASTMA has launched a professional industry Certification Program for Sports Turf Managers, recognising leading turf manages and encouraging investment in education and continual professional development
Read More13 May 2020
The ASTMA is thrilled to announce the signing of affiliation agreement with US-based Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA), an approach to sharing resources and developing best-practice education.
Read More12 May 2020
With COVID-19 affecting all areas of the sports turf management industry, TAFE colleges have also had to make significant changes to the way they deliver education to turf management students around the country.
Read More11 May 2020
The ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia has flagged a reimagined tournament schedule that will see the tour in full swing from October and culminate with the crowning of the Order of Merit winner in March.
Read More07 May 2020
The Australian Sports Turf Managers Association has a comprehensive range of turfgrass management and research papers available on the website for turf managers to access, assisting to further industry education and knowledge.
Read More01 May 2020
Following discussions with Melbourne Convention Centre management, we have been unable to achieve a suitable option to host the 2020 event, and therefore have made the very difficult decision to cancel the 2020 event
Read More23 April 2020
After being locked out of their golf courses for the best part of three weeks, New Zealand superintendents have been allowed back in after the New Zealand Government approved an exemption for essential maintenance last week.
Read More22 April 2020
The spread of COVID-19 is having a tremendous impact on golf course maintenance across the country.
Read More19 April 2020
AGCSATech have been busy working on the establishment of a trial site for the latest round of the Australian National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (ANTEP).
Read More16 April 2020
Dunheved Golf Club in NSW has been through its fair share of trauma so far in 2020. From severe storms and flooding in early February to the COVID-19 pandemic in March, the course is finally back open to members.
Read More15 April 2020
After seven years at RACV Royal Pines, the Australian PGA Championship is on the move in 2020. ATM editor Brett Robinson looks back at last December’s event which brought to an end a 27-year tournament run for the Gold Coast course.
Read More15 April 2020
The Australian Sports Turf Managers Association is committed to supporting the Women in Golf Charter led by The R&A, and pledges to advocate the charter in the professional Turf Management industry of Australia.
Read More09 April 2020
The announcement came last week from Natadola Golf Club that the course would be temporarily closing due to government restrictions around social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It seems mother nature also had plans for the course to close.
Read More07 April 2020
A recent announcement from the R&A: The Open in 2020 has been cancelled due to the current Covid-19 pandemic and the Championship will next be played at Royal St George’s in 2021.
Read More03 April 2020
The Australian Sports Turf Managers Association has received confirmation from Melbourne Convention Centre that the 2020 Sports Turf Management Conference & Exhibition will be postponed to a date yet to be finalised
Read More03 April 2020
In an exciting development this week, the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association and e-par have partnered to implement a free Environment, Health and Safety) advice and assistance service to all Members
Read More31 March 2020
Given the state of the world right now and uncertainty around individual health and work security, addressing your mental health is important. It is not uncommon to worry especially during these trying times.
Read More30 March 2020
Late this afternoon, the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association has been informed by Golf Australia that golf clubs will be asked to close for play as a result of the stage three shutdowns to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Read More30 March 2020
The team at the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association will continue to focus on providing updates and communication for the industry as we work through continually changing information, advice and requirements across each State.
Read More27 March 2020
Without doubt, the last few weeks have been a time of great uncertainty for many in the industry. We are all concerned about what the evolving situation relating to COVID-19 means for our health, our livelihoods, roles and our communities, both in the short and long term.
Read More26 March 2020
The scheduled Professional Development Program Seminars in April have been postponed following updated announcements from the Department of Health relating to suspension of non-essential gatherings
Read More25 March 2020
US superintendent Kyle Hegland is a self-proclaimed turf and golf course architecture “dork”. He was therefore a veritable kid in a candy store when he ventured to the Melbourne Sandbelt for the very first time as one of 45 course volunteers for last December’s Presidents Cup.
Read More25 March 2020
There has been a series of questions raised relating to the ability for Golf Courses to function in Queensland following Government announcements and operations under Licensing restrictions.
Read More23 March 2020
Over recent days, AGCSATech, the agronomy department of the ASTMA has received a number of enquiries regarding advice on developing low input maintenance practices for turf surfaces as staff availability continues to be unknown.
Read More20 March 2020
Cape Wickham Golf Links on King Island, Tasmania, has become one of the first major Australian golf clubs to feel the full impact of the coronavirus crisis.
Read More19 March 2020
To get Royal Melbourne presenting the way it did for the Presidents Cup took a monumental team effort. But there were two men in particular who played a very unique and vital role.
Read More19 March 2020
Apprentice Assistance - The Federal Government recently announced a $17.6 billion economic plan to keep Australians in jobs, which includes $1.3 billion to support small businesses to support the jobs apprentices and trainees
Read More18 March 2020
As all ASTMA members and the wider Australian sports turf management community will be aware, COVID-19 has created global health concerns regarding the disease and its infection rates. Read our latest industry update.
Read More12 March 2020
ATM congratulates the latest intake of turf managers to be accepted into the ASTMA Future Turf Managers’ Initiative, presented in partnership with Jacobsen
Read More12 March 2020
The Australian Sports Turf Managers Association has received a number of enquiries from members relating to recent announcements of Coronavirus (COVID-19), and have provided an update for the Turf Management industry.
Read More11 March 2020
Two Killara Golf Club staff are raising funds for cancer research in anticipation of the Tour de Cure ride from Newcastle to Noosa Heads from 26th March.
Read More06 March 2020
Continuing it’s commitment to deliver professional development education and training to members, the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association is delighted to host the second seminar in the Professional Development education series – Presentation Skills
Read More05 March 2020
Royal Melbourne Golf Club again proved why it is one of the best tournament venues in world golf when it hosted the Presidents Cup for a third time last December.
Read More05 March 2020
The Victorian Golf Course Superintendents Association kicked off its 2020 meeting schedule with a visit to Victoria Golf Club and Sandringham Golf Links on Tuesday.
Read More27 February 2020
Where do you begin to describe the events of the past couple of months? After prolonged drought-like conditions, since last September bushfires have ravaged huge tracts of NSW, Victoria and South Australia, creating one of the biggest natural disasters in the country’s history.
Read More26 February 2020
ASTMA Bronze Partner Ventrac Australia has issued a statement following the recent announcement that The Toro Company Inc. is to acquire parent company Venture Products Inc (VPI).
Read More25 February 2020
Superintendent and ASTMA member Ian Todd and his crew at Rosebud Country Club are in for a busy spring after it was announced today that the club will host a European Tour Qualifying School event this September.
Read More20 February 2020
To say the past 24 months have challenged Jason Foster’s resilience and spirit on both a personal and professional level would be a gross understatement. In fact, there wouldn’t be many who have had to endure what Foster has been through.
Read More14 February 2020
The 2020 ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open teed off yesterday with Royal Adelaide Golf Club again wowing players and officials this week with its level of presentation and playability
Read More13 February 2020
In his latest column, John Neylan focuses on irrigation management for sportsfields and asks sports turf managers whether they are making the best use of their most precious resource.
Read More11 February 2020
Aaron Banks is a busy man most of the time keeping the renowned Bonville Golf Resort Course in fantastic condition, but over the next couple of weeks, his life is going to get a whole lot busier.
Read More11 February 2020
We have gone from one extreme to the next, from devastating fires to torrential rains ripping through the North East coast of Australia. Golf courses across New South Wales and Queensland have been inundated, some with over 400mm over four days...
Read More07 February 2020
The 2020 Vic Open got underway at Thirteenth Beach Golf Links yesterday with course superintendent Steve Hewitt leading his maintenance team for an eighth consecutive year since the tournament's arrival on the Bellarine Peninsula
Read More05 February 2020
The USGA and R&A have published findings from their joint Distance Insights Project, providing comprehensive research and analysis on the contributors to, and long-term impacts of, hitting distance in golf.
Read More04 February 2020
All was tracking nicely for Townsville Golf Club at the start of 2019. It was the club’s 125th anniversary, five new Bob Harrison-designed holes were weeks from opening and the club’s finances were looking up for the first time in a while. Then came the floods…
Read More30 January 2020
Sport is well known for its ability to bring people and communities together, but in a remote Aboriginal community in South Australia it’s a newly turfed oval that is helping achieve that.
Read More28 January 2020
Monina Gilbey, biodiversity manager at Glenelg Golf Club, looks at some of the measures being implemented to help enhance and beautify the Adelaide-based club’s out of play areas.
Read More24 January 2020
In coming months, the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association is set to launch an industry Certification Program for Sports Turf Managers, and is asking for the assistance of some members to help review and trial the program prior to its launch
Read More23 January 2020
In March 2020, four superintendents – three from Australia and one from New Zealand – will be winging their way to TPC Sawgrass in Florida to be part of course preparations for golf’s unofficial ‘fifth Major’ – The Players Championship.
Read More21 January 2020
After 25 years based at 1300Smiles Stadium in Townsville, the North Queensland Cowboys are set to move to North Queensland Stadium in 2020. Brett Robinson catches up with grounds manager Bruce Fouracre to look at the start of a new era.
Read More17 January 2020
HR expert Vicki Crowe provides some advice on how to support a work colleague who may be experiencing personal difficulties following a major trauma or natural disaster.
Read More16 January 2020
Due to continued growth in its analytical and consultancy services, the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association is delighted to announce the appointment of Steve Tuckett to the AGCSATech agronomy team.
Read More14 January 2020
The 36-hole Vines Resort and Country Club on the outskirts of Perth, WA has appointed Brad Pavlinovich as its new course superintendent.
Read More14 January 2020
Swan Hill Lawn Tennis club curator Dan Gardner also got the chance to get an inside the ropes look at preparations for this year’s Wimbledon Grand Slam.
Read More14 January 2020
Australian golf is pitching in to help the victims of the country’s bushfire crisis.
Read More13 January 2020
After seven years at RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast, the Australian PGA Championship is heading to Royal Queensland Golf Club for the next three years.
Read More10 January 2020
With 6 months to go until the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, the International Golf Federation (IGF) in conjunction with the ASTMA are inviting experienced Turf Managers to be part of the historic Olympic Games by leading Course Management crews
Read More08 January 2020
To support the fundraising and recovery efforts, the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association will be making a donation on behalf of all Members of $500 to each State and Territory to support the relevant Rural or Country Fire Services, totalling $4000.
Read More07 January 2020
Five years ago Todd Darrington was mowing centre verges down the main street of Leeton, NSW. Over the past six months he has helped prepare some of the world’s most hallowed sporting surfaces, among them Wimbledon and Lords.
Read More18 December 2019
As part of our continued focus on education, the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association is pleased to announce it has partnered with the R&A to launch The R&A Greenkeeping Scholarship to Sports Turf Management students in Australia in 2020.
Read More13 December 2019
The Australian Sports Turf Managers Association, announces the release of the 2019 - 2023 Strategic Plan to members
Read More09 December 2019
The Presidents Cup is nearly upon us with Royal Melbourne set to be in the international spotlight all this week. Director of courses Richard Forsyth updates the ASTMA on preparations and lead-in week.
Read More05 December 2019
While the playing surfaces of the new Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club are a level above, as Kate Torgersen writes it’s the out of play areas where some of the most significant transformations have taken place.
Read More05 December 2019
Debate rages over golf-course rankings, but there’s no denying The Australian Golf Club has few challengers for the mantle of No.1 tournament venue in the country.
Read More28 November 2019
Mike Cocking, OCCM lead architect for the Peninsula Kingswood redevelopment, looks at some of the key design elements that have transformed the North and South courses and pu them in the conversation as among some of the best on the Melbourne Sandbelt.
Read More27 November 2019
Managing turf surfaces in Far North Queensland is a far cry from the northern suburbs of Sydney. Just ask Cairns Golf Club superintendent Tim Hoskinson…
Read More24 November 2019
Undertaking a project, the size of the Peninsula Kingswood redevelopment has only been achievable through having a dedicated team that has collectively bought into the vision of delivering two elite level golf courses.
Read More18 November 2019
What was initially a project to improve playing conditions, upgrade an antiquated irrigation system and essentially complete a masterplan the club started 12 years earlier, turned into perhaps the biggest golf course redevelopment project in Australia's history.
Read More15 November 2019
ATM expert columnist John Neylan, who played a key role as an agronomic consultant for the Peninsula Kingswood redevelopment, outlines the lengthy and detailed research and investigation that went into ensuring the new greens provide an optimum playing surface.
Read More11 November 2019
In September 2013, Peninsula CGC and Kingswood GC became the first private golf clubs in Australia to merge. Across a series of five main articles and numerous breakouts, ATM takes an in-depth look behind the $12 million course redevelopment.
Read More08 November 2019
Tiger Woods has named himself as one of four "captain's picks" for the United States team set to take on an international side at the President's Cup, taking place in Melbourne in December.
Read More04 November 2019
Last August, the PGA of Australia announced that Yallourn Golf Club will play host to the inaugural Gippsland Super 6 tournament in late 2019. It has prompted a flurry of work at the small Victorian regional course which is home to course superintendent Mark Burton.
Read More01 November 2019
It has been a nervous past week for ASTMA member and course superintendent Mark Spraggs, with bushfires coming to within a couple of hundred metres of Tuncurry Golf Course on the NSW mid-North Coast.
Read More31 October 2019
The role of a Sports Turf Manager can be all-encompassing at times. Lee Strutt, course manager at The Royal Automobile Club in the UK and past presenter at the Australian Turfgrass Conference, looks at the importance of balance in our lives to achieve success.
Read More31 October 2019
The hallowed turf of Flemington is set to come alive again as Melbourne readies to host Spring Carnival Week from 5 November. It is the equivalent of Grand Final week for Victoria Racing Club’s senior racecourse manager Liam O’Keeffe.
Read More30 October 2019
ATM’s resident turf and scientific expert Peter McMaugh looks at the recent fallout surrounding the herbicide glyphosate and the need for real understanding of the basic science behind the product to form a balanced assessment.
Read More24 October 2019
ATM environmental columnist Kate Torgersen looks back on the recent Sports Environment Alliance Summit in Melbourne.
Read More22 October 2019
Gary Beehag looks at some of the new cricket wicket soils that have hit the marketplace in recent times and writes of the importance of knowing their source and physical-chemical qualities before curators decide to use them.
Read More18 October 2019
Sustainability has been a buzzword throughout the turf industry for a while now. But as ATM expert columnist John Neylan writes, when it comes to improving the sustainability of sportsfields, it requires a substantial change in mind set and work practices to achieve.
Read More17 October 2019
Following on from last edition’s look at wetting agents, ATM canvasses Australian superintendents and turf managers on their wetting agent programmes
Read More16 October 2019
Compliance expert Terry Muir asks when was the last time you went to your manager with an idea that would save money, jobs, lives and limbs?
Read More15 October 2019
Riversdale Golf Club’s Dominic Bowd kicks off an ongoing series of articles on the work being achieved by golf club horticultural staff by looking at the ongoing management of Riversdale’s hybrid landscape.
Read More14 October 2019
Workplace relations legal expert Paul O’Halloran looks at the important difference between being classified an employee or an independent contractor.
Read More11 October 2019
Enhancing native areas on your golf course doesn’t have to be an expensive exercise writes ATM environmental expert Kate Torgersen.
Read More11 October 2019
With salaries and wages a key component of the operation of any Golf facility, the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association has today released the 2019 issue of the Golf Club Salary and Wages Report
Read More09 October 2019
The Australian Sports Turf Managers Association is launching an industry leading series of education seminars focusing on Professional Development for Sports Turf Managers, with the first sessions commencing in November 2019.
Read More08 October 2019
Course manager Steven Newell looks back on the extensive reconstruction works undertaken at Victoria Golf Club between July 2018 and February 2019 which has seen some of the Melbourne sandbelt’s oldest greens reinstated to their former glory.
Read More01 October 2019
A second golf course could be built on the northern shores of King Island as part of an expansion by new owners of Cape Wickham Links, looking to land it owns north of the historic Cape Wickham lighthouse for the potential project.
Read More20 September 2019
The Royal Sydney Golf Club has announced that it will soon move to implement its Championship Course redevelopment plans, following an Extraordinary General Meeting on Tuesday evening where members voted overwhelmingly in favour of the project.
Read More15 September 2019
The Australian Sports Turf Managers Association is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2020 Future Turf Managers’ Initiative (FTMI), presented in conjunction with Gold Partner Jacobsen
Read More12 September 2019
At the recent August meeting of the Australian Industry and Skills Commission (AISC) , the revised Sports Turf Management Qualifications were fully endorsed as part of the AHC Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation & Land Management Training Package.
Read More11 September 2019
The Australian Sports Turf Managers Association will be hosting a series of Environmental & Vegetation Management education seminars throughout Australia, covering environmental stewardship at Turf facilities
Read More05 September 2019
In a recent announcement to members and Trade Partners, the AGCSA announced it would be re-branding, to align itself to be more representative of it's membership base, and its position as the industry peak-body for Turf Management in Australia.
Read More04 September 2019
Former St Andrews Links Trust director of greenkeeping Gordon Moir has accepted the nomination to become BIGGA vice president next year, with a view to becoming president in 2021.
Read More19 August 2019
People are playing more golf, but there are not as many club members in Australia. The 2018 national golf club participation report, released today, has revealed a continuation of the trend of players not formally joining clubs to play their golf.
Read More08 August 2019
The AGCSA spoke with Turfgrass specialist, John Neylan who has over 30 years experience in Turf Management about what may be needed for aspiring Turf Professionals to make it in the modern age
Read More06 August 2019
In recent months AGCSATech has been involved with consulting, designing and overseeing a number of construction projects - here, we take a look at some key points for Sports Turf Managers when approaching construction.
Read More04 August 2019
Last week, a letter was sent out to all AGCSA members regarding a recent review of the association’s membership structure, and a revised and simpler membership structure will be available for AGCSA membership from August 2019.
Read More21 July 2019
Adelaide Oval and head curator Damian Hough, are once again partnering with Australian Golf Digest to hold a second Stadium Golf event after its highly successful launch last year.
Read More19 July 2019
Two young Australian greenkeepers are getting a front row seat this week to the Open Championships . It is the first time that The Open has been played in Northern Ireland since 1951, with Royal Portrush links playing host.
Read More12 July 2019
Long-serving Bermagui Country Club course superintendent David Thomson was elected to the AGCSA Board at the 2019 AGCSA Annual General Meeting held during the Brisbane conference.
Read More12 July 2019
The AGCSA and epar have combined under the Golf Environment and Safety Compliance Initiative to offer training for members and other Turf Managers on Verification of Competency education
Read More10 July 2019
The Turf Industry Awards Dinner held at the 2019 Turf Management conference was highlighted by the awarding of AGCSA life membership to current AGCSA Board member and past president Peter Lonergan
Read More05 July 2019
Well, the 2019 Asia Pacific Turfgrass Conference and Trade Exhibition is done and dusted and what a week everyone had in Brisbane – great presentations, great networking and, of course, a great professional development opportunity.
Read More01 July 2019
Syngenta Launches "Protect Your Turf" Campaign designed to portray those professionals as the unsung heroes, doing their job from dawn until dusk with dedication and passion. It's more than passionate about protecting their turf, it’s an obsession
Read More13 June 2019
The AGCSA is delighted to announce the addition of Fred Yelverton, Professor of Crop Science, North Carolina State University (USA) to the line-up for the upcoming 2019 Asia Pacific Turfgrass Conference and Trade Exhibition in Brisbane from 24-28 June
Read More28 May 2019
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews yesterday officially opened a new jewel in Melbourne’s Sandbelt, the Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club.
Read More24 May 2019
After 10 years, the Arm End project near Hobart, has finally received the last of its required approvals. The 116 hectare public access golf course project is now in start-up mode, with construction planned to commence by late spring.
Read More21 May 2019
The 2019 Turf Conference in Brisbane will present a significant focus on Environmental Management, and include presentations to delegates on a range of recent local and international Turf research
Read More11 May 2019
Often the chatter after speaking at industry workshops or conferences turns to how to attract and retain employees. We asked ATM and PGA HR expert Vicki Crowe to look at the importance of employee engagement and how to measure it.
Read More10 May 2019
The Australian Golf Course Superintendents’ Association and all State Golf Course Superintendents Associations have announced the completion of an historic Affiliated Chapter Agreement, deepening the collaboration and cooperation between associations
Read More08 May 2019
We asked newly anointed Order of Australia recipient and ATM columnist Peter McMaugh to discuss the importance of oxygen in Turf, and his thoughts on the development of some new technology which could change the face of turf management in a big way.
Read More07 May 2019
As s service to members, the AGCSA provides HR and Management guides and policy templates to assist in improving the management practices of Turf facilities, Superintendents and Sports Turf Management professionals.
Read More06 May 2019
The AGCSA is delighted to announce the addition of 3 leading speakers to it's superb line-up for the upcoming 2019 Asia Pacific Turfgrass Conference and Trade Exhibition to be held in Brisbane from 24-28 June.
Read More04 May 2019
The AGCSA caught up with environmental expert Kate Torgersen on her recent visit to Queenstown, NZ and her catch up with Jack’s Point superintendent and AGCSA Member Simon Forshaw, to discuss the course’s recent international environmental accolade.
Read More02 May 2019
With the federal election well and truly underway, the AGIC have launched a campaign entitled Pitch In: Grow Community Golf featuring priority ‘shovel ready’ development projects calling for government support
Read More30 April 2019
Turfgrass disease expert Dr Percy Wong outlines some of the new ERI diseases present in Australia, the fungal pathogens that cause them and possible strategies to manage them in various turf situations.
Read More11 April 2019
The Australian Golf Course Superintendents Association (AGCSA) is encouraging all Members, Administrators and those who love golf, to thank their Course Superintendent and teams during “Thank a Superintendent Week” from May 13th to 20th.
Read More05 April 2019
The AGCSA is excited to announce that The Brisbane Golf Club will play host to the 2019 Toro AGCSA Golf Championship ahead of the Asia Pacific Turfgrass Conference, and the AGCSA is looking forward to hosting its premier golf event there on Sunday 23 June.
Read More04 April 2019
In what is set to be an incredible few weeks of golf in Australia, The Australian Golf Club in Sydney is gearing up to host the 104th Emirates Australian Open this December and is putting the call out for course volunteers
Read More20 March 2019
The AGCSA and John Deere are delighted to announce the launch of The Players Championship (TPC) Volunteer Program, giving 3 Members the chance to join the Course Management team at TPC Sawgrass for the 2020 The Players Championship.
Read More05 March 2019
The Australian Golf Course Superintendents’ Association (AGCSA) and Golf Business Forum are delighted to announce a new partnership that will deliver Australia’s largest ever Sports Turf Management and Golf Business Conference in Melbourne, June 2020.
Read More26 February 2019
The Turfgrass Conference & Trade Exhibition is the premier event in which Sports Turf Managers come together to network, share best practices and develop strategies for improving their facilities.
Read More17 February 2019
In one of the biggest summers of cricket in Canberra, Manuka Oval geared up to host its first ever international Test match. Curator Brad van Dam takes us through his preparations for this auspicious event.
Read More16 February 2019
Tournaments are great for showcasing the art of preparing elite turf playing surfaces, but they can be hard on Vegetation and out of play areas writes environmental expert Kate Torgersen.
Read More13 February 2019
Turf experts Gary Beehag and Peter McMaugh AM look at their recent research project investigating thatch-mat and root architecture beneath new bentgrass putting greens.
Read More12 February 2019
With drought affecting large parts of the country at present, expert Agronomist John Neylan looks at the importance of reviewing Water Management plans
Read More11 February 2019
ATM’s compliance expert Terry Muir examines the important considerations Superintendents and Turf Managers need to be aware of when they engage contractors at their facility and the EHS responsibilities of the respective parties.
Read More07 February 2019
The National Turf Education Working Group (NTEWG) provide an update on the current review taking place of the industry’s Sportsturf Management training package.
Read More05 February 2019
This time of year is when we see an increase in bee activity. ATM’s environmental expert Kate Torgersen looks at what options can be done to reduce the risk to golfers, how important bees are and the role that golf courses can play to help their survival.
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