Stoneham Golf Club

Background

When Matt Plested joined Stoneham Golf Club in Southampton as Course Manager in 2017 the course was in need of some major investment and redevelopment. 

Having overseen significant construction works in his last role at Muswell Hill, Matt could see what needed doing and had the experience to make that happen. With the support of the management board, work began on a three-year £1m redevelopment programme.

Also requiring investment was the machinery fleet, which is where Toro comes in.

Brief

A reliable fleet was needed to enable the team to keep the course in great condition while all the works were going on. A full fleet of Toro machinery comprising greens, roughs and surrounds mowers, utility vehicles, a sprayer and a turf iron was specified.

Results

In a fleet deal of over 20 bits of kit, there are plenty of items which helped support Matt and his greenkeeping team of six with the extensive works. Together the fleet has helped with a huge thatch problem that was impacting the course and transformed how the grass is cut. Specific machinery choices have helped with noise issues and less chemicals are now being used.

Irrigation followed soon after the machinery order with all sprinkler heads being upgraded to Toro Flex 55s.

Conclusion

With Toro installed, Kingsworthy Garden Machinery providing servicing and maintenance, which Matt declares as “half the battle”, a dedicated and talented greens teams and a supportive board backing decisions, the course quickly got itself back up to its glory days.