The annual study trip took place from 30 September to 2 October 2025. This year we hosted our friends from Denmark, Germany and Sweden. The program was a mix of course visits and presentations with of course plenty of room for mutual conversations.
Day 1, September 30, 2025. We started on the Links Valley. This was also a reunion since the last time we met in Denmark last year. During the tour on the course we were informed by Head Greenkeeper Maurice de Bruijne. Arthur Wolleswinkel talked about his experiences during the visits in the context of the dollar spot research of the past 3 years
Next we went to the Heelsum GC. There we were welcomed by head greenkeeper Jeroen Brouwer de Koning.
Then Dr. Andy Owen (ICL) gave the first presentation about the proceedings of the weed trial at GC Princenbosch. This lasted 6 years. Various things have been found that can contribute to improved management, but by no means all is unambiguous, so a follow-up is currently being considered.
Then we visited the course and some monitoring greens and we also looked at the shed with maintenance machines. Then it was also a good moment for the group photo, thanks to Martin Vrieze who took care of this beautifully
After this we went back to the clubhouse for the second presentation by Andy Owen on soil biology.
As a final presentation, Alexander de Vries (NGF) showed in a presentation how ideas about sustainable golf are developing in the Netherlands and he showed the latest version of the Sustainability manifesto.
Then it was time for drinks and the stories came out. It is special how this group got to know each other and has now become good friends. Before we went to the buffet, Flip Wirth gave a short story on 20 years DGB. Then Arthur Wolleswinkel took the floor and he thanked Flip on behalf of all greenkeepers and offered him a nice jacket and ball cap with logo and also a gift voucher for his commitment to DGB.
Day 2, 1st October 2025
After an early breakfast at Fletcher hotel de Buunderkamp we left for GC 't Zelle, where we were welcomed by Marco Blom with delicious coffee. He told us about his golf course and then we took a walk through the course under beautiful weather conditions.
Soon it was time for the next part of the program, the visit to the Barenbrug test center in Wolfheze. We were welcomed by Olaf Bos and Martin Vrieze. After the introduction, Juan Castillo, researcher at Barenbrug gave a presentation
Then we enjoyed a delicious sandwich lunch. After this we were given a tour of the greenhouses and the test fields.
The visit was concluded with a presentation by Stefan Nilson (SGF) with a presentation on datacontrolled management.
The last part of the program was the visit to the Rosendaelsche GC. After the introduction in the machine shed where we looked around, we took a walk through the track. It was a beautiful afternoon and the evening sun provided a beautiful lighting.
We went back to the clubhouse where we were received in a cozy room and welcomed with a snack and a drink. We continued with a presentation by Thomas Pihl, who told us about his experiences during the preparations of his golf course for the DPWT tournament. In addition to the great efforts that were made, it was special to hear how a course was brought into top condition in a completely biologically friendly way.
After this we viewed pictures of the USGA about the GS 3 magic ball and Norbert Lischka explained how to use it based on his own experiences.
After this it was time for some relaxation and we enjoyed drinks and dinner in the clubhouse of the Rosendaelsche GC.
Day 3, 2nd October 2025
Again an early breakfast before we set off for GC Amelisweerd. We were welcomed by Jannes Landkroon in the meeting room of the clubhouse for the introduction. Then Jannes showed a few greens and told about his improvement program.
Then we went to the last golf course of this study trip, GV Leeuwenbergh. Andrew Knott welcomed us with coffee and took us into the golf course and we also visited the workshop where he had also made a demo about the robot mowers. Then back to the clubhouse for lunch. Flip addressed all participants and thanked especially the speakers and all participants for their attendance and input and wished everyone a safe journey home. It had been 3 beautiful days and our friendships have been successfully strengthened again.
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