BIGGA London Section Seminar at Oaklands College

Seminar Programme

9.00 - 9.50am: - Arrival and networking opportunity with tea and coffee.

9.50am - 10.00am:  Opening and introductions.

10.00am - 10.45am:  Gary Lee – Grounds Manager at Tottenham Hotspur Football Club – Gary, a former student of Oaklands, Gary started as a Greenkeeping apprentice at Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa. From there Gary moved to Arsenal before landing at Tottenham Hotspur in 2010 where he has been ever since, working his way through the ranks from an assistant to Grounds Manager. Gary will be discussing his role at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the challenges involved in a multi-use venue.

10.55am - 11.40pm:  Richard Larke MIAgrE - FJDynamics UK Sales Manager. Richard started working for FJD in April 2023 Focusing on the Automatic GPS Tractor steering systems. He has been working in the agricultural sector since leaving school with Workshop, Parts and Sales experience He has  focused upon GPS for the last 12 years. Since starting with FJD his experience has widened with the introduction of Autonomous Lawn mowers and focus upon Golf course equipment. Richard will give an overall view off FJD, GPS systems and different accuracy available, the basic functions on use and the main benefits and efficiency gained. Where we are now and what we are looking to in the future.

11.40pm - 12.40pm:  Lunch.

12.45pm – 1.30pm:  Dr Deborah Cox, Managing Director, Lagan Valley Scientific.

Deborah founded Lagan Valley Scientific to support the amenity industry through independent research, consultancy, and education. With almost 20 years’ experience in interdisciplinary research, she combines plant health with molecular biology techniques in her consultancy. She supports turf managers to identify pests & diseases, and site-specific trends, through The Turf Clinic which specialises in the identification and management of plant parasitic nematodes. The focus of Dr Cox’s presentation will introduce the two important groups of organisms found in turf rootzones; fungi & nematodes. Clarireedia spp (commonly referred to as Dollar Spot), and Subanguina spp (the root-gall plant parasitic nematode that can cause a stunted root system to develop in Poa dominant swards). This will include the Clarireedia life cycle, conditions that drive disease development & symptoms to look out for. Knowledge of current Dollar Spot research & useful information resources. Knowledge of different types of nematodes, their life cycles, and Root Gall symptoms to look out for. The correct interpretation of nematode test results so you can be best prepared, respond appropriately, and plan.

1.35pm - 2.20pm:  Richard Windows – Head of Sustainable Agronomy: Championship Venues – 

Sustainable Golf. Richard joined The R&A in January 2019 as Agronomy Manager within the Championship Department having previously worked as an Agronomist for STRI for 20 years. Richard now Head of Sustainable Agronomy; Championship Venues as part of the Sustainable Golf team. He has been Championship Agronomist to The R&A for several Open Championships, including the 150^th Open at St Andrews, The AIG Women's Open, The Amateur Championship and The Walker Cup. He has a passion for links golf and delivering sustainable turf surfaces to the highest standard for all levels of golf. Richard was co-author of The Disturbance Theory which used the scientific knowledge of comparative plant ecology to help change the nature of golf greens towards fine grass dominance. In 2010, Richard helped develop objective measurements tools in golf and these developments have shaped modern field and championship agronomy. He is a keen golfer and member of Royal Troon Golf Club playing off a handicap of 6.

2.20 – 2.30pm –  Acknowledgements and close.

There will be an opportunity to present questions to the speakers at the end of each presentation.