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A Syngenta survey has revealed that the number of people playing golf in the UK could be doubled if clubs and courses were friendlier, encouraged families and offered greater flexibility and better playing conditions. 'Growing Golf in the UK', a report commissioned by Syngenta and undertaken by independent market research company GfK, canvassed the opinions of more than 3,500 UK residents, including 2,145 non-golfers and 1,477 golfers.

Eric Brown, Global Turf Business Manager of Syngenta, answers some of the key questions raised by the company's detailed market research into 'Growing Golf in the UK', first presented at the Golf Business Forum in St Andrews. He offers some insights and analysis on the significant latent demand for golf, which could see the number of players double in the UK:

 Syngenta has broadcast the latest video in its series of short documentaries highlighting golf clubs driving business through increased female participation.Wimbledon Common Golf Club in South West London was an all-male club until 2005, when its first female members were admitted. Now, thanks to the introduction of its Ladies Academy, featuring an innovative blend of professional coaching, on-course mentoring and social activity, the club has a thriving female section, which is growing year-on-year.The video tells the story of how the first Ladies Academy in 2014 resulted in nine of the 10 new golfers signing up as full members. VIEW THE VIDEO HERE This incredibly successful high conversion rate has been credited to the scheme's focus on active play. Academy members receive two one-hour lessons a month and, crucially, play the course three times a month with a mentor, typically an existing member.Lindy Ratner, Ladies Academy Organizer at Wimbledon Common Golf Club, said: "The feedback we got very…

 Syngenta has unveiled its latest 'Unlocking Golf's True Potential' case study video, showcasing a highly successful women's golf project at Maidenhead Golf Club in Berkshire. Click here or on any of the screen images to watch the videoIt follows the launch of the acclaimed Syngenta report, 'The Opportunity to Grow Golf: Female Participation', which gave an industry insight into how golf clubs and courses can attract more female players. A key factor in the Maidenhead club's success has been creating a bridge from introductory coaching, to full club membership.To achieve this, the club introduced a buddy system whereby female members welcome and mentor new golfers, enabling them to get out on the course and feel comfortable in club surroundings.Of the 35 women who have joined the academy at Maidenhead Golf Club, seven have progressed to becoming full club members, with a similar number forecast for 2015. The club says it takes 18 to 24 months to transition from beginner to member, on average…

 High temperatures and dry weather conditions can result in turf stress that typically causes over 30% reduction in root mass of turf grass plants during the summer.Affected turf plants will need nurturing through a recovery period of good late summer and autumn growing conditions to build carbohydrate reserves, advises Rod Burke of Syngenta, or they will be at greater risk of more severe disease attack and frost damage this winter.Over recent years, the key weather trend has been the shift to hotter and dryer conditions in August. The reference average temperature for the UK has risen by over 0.5°C for the period 1981-2010, compared to 1961-1990.The last time temperatures were significantly below the long-term average was 1993 and, although there had been several cooler Augusts in recent seasons, it has still been above average for more than a decade. An effective autumn Primo Maxx and nutrition programme could help to stimulate development of essential plant carbohydrate reserves and build up…

The Syngenta report Growing the Game of Golf: Female Participation was launched in London this week (16 December) to an audience of golf industry professionals, including the 2015 European Solheim Cup Captain Carin Koch, along with representatives of golf's governing bodies, the professional tours and leading multi-course operators.

 Greenkeepers and club managers now have access to the results of the Syngenta Golf Player Survey, which could help them focus their efforts and investment on providing what golf club members and visitors want to enhance their playing experience - and to keep them coming back for more.The survey results, first published at BTME in January 2012 and now available on the GreenCast website, revealed that the course condition and playing quality was the primary factor in attracting players and retaining membership, over and above the clubhouse facilities. "With turf quality and course design so important, it clearly indicates this is where clubs should be focusing resources," according to Rod Burke of Syngenta.Click here to go straight to the Golf Player Survey resultsFurthermore, Mr Burke reported the survey has highlighted potential quick wins for greenkeepers and clubs, where spending a little more time and effort on specific areas of the course could significantly improve player satisfaction. "The rough…

Cutting the carbon footprint Golf clubs can manage turf more efficiently to reduce time, cost and overall carbon footprint by over 40% through regulating turf growth …. A new report from Cranfield University's Centre for Sports Turf Technology has identified potential for up to 60% cut in Global Warming CO2 emissions by regulating turf growth with Primo MAXX, along with valuable financial savings in the cost of turf maintenance - amounting to an average £2000 per winter sports pitch and over £5000 across an 18-hole golf course.

Launched at BTME in January, Operation Pollinator's aim is to rescue the fortunes of the humble bumblebee across UK golf courses. Up to 500 golf courses are being sought to join the national scheme over the next three years, with each committed to establishing at least a half a hectare (5000 sq m) of specific Operation Pollinator seed mix, rich in pollen and nectar food sources especially designed to encourage bumblebees and pollinating insects.

The Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year awards' category winners were announced at the Amenity Forum Conference last week (15 October 2017)

The finalists of the 2018 Operation Pollinator Award have been announced, with the overall Winner to be presented at BTME in January as part of the Golf Environment Awards

Players see birds and bees Pioneering habitat creation at the Bedfordshire course demonstrates how to manage both high quality golf and the environment ….