RIYADH, 8 March — The first-ever turf technology seminar, which will assist the future plans of Saudi Arabia to develop and maintain new golf courses and soccer fields, will be held here on March 11 at the local Intercontinental Hotel. A number of new golf course projects and renovation projects for golf and soccer fields have been announced recently by some private companies and also by General Presidency of Youth Welfare (GPYW).
This was disclosed by David B. Murphy, general manager of Delta Irrigation, here yesterday. Stuart L. Nutt, sales and support engineer of Mansour Coporation was also present at the press briefing. This two-day seminar is being sponsored by Delta Irrigation Systems, co-distributor for Toro and Sisis equipment and Mansour Est., distributor of all Textron equipment and products in the Kingdom.
Murphy said that the seminar will focus on new turf technology as the Kingdom is going through a very challenging period, especially with the expansion of large turf grassed areas across the country. These include such amenities like the new golf courses and the many soccer fields and sports facilities in the Kingdom. These surfaces must meet the challenges of compliance with increased traffic and amid demands of improving standards.
He said that the productive and regular turf culture practices can positively affect the performance of the grass. “The right choice for water management and conservation will help in maintaining a healthy ground cover for playing surfaces and enhancing it’s natural beauty and social surroundings”, said Murphy, while spelling out the agenda of the turf technology event.
Referring to the subjects to be discussed at the seminar, Murphy said that the event will make an important contribution to the Kingdom’s technology by introducing new approaches of turf management and by demonstrating new technologies for professional clients and contractors. “As the soil sciences are a very diverse subject, we would hope to include a broad range of topics for discussion for our clients”, he noted.
He said that two internationally-renowned speakers, Steve Johnson, superintendent from Rifa Golf Course of Bahrain and Tony Hemming from King Fahd International Stadium, will present their views on a range of subjects related to turf technology at the seminar. Both these Australian speakers have extensive background in soil sciences and proven track records in terms of management of large scale hot and cool season grasses throughout the world including the Middle East.
“The deep understanding of Johnson and Hemming about the customers’ needs complemented by the expertise of our local end users, sod farm producers and contractors, will present a comprehensive overview on the results and effects on turf compaction”, said Murphy adding that several representatives from Toro, Textron, and Sisis will present their papers and specialized views on a range of subjects related to golf and soccer turf management.
An open discussion has also been planned to integrate and share a broad base of knowledge that will assist with the future plans to develop and maintain Saudi Arabia’s new golf courses and soccer fields. The discussion at the seminar will also include environmental issues, which play an important role for the health of the community parks, agriculture fields, athletic facilities besides commercial and residential landscapes of the Gulf states.
Murphy said that managing large turf areas requires coordinate efforts and appropriate resources. Toro, Sisis and Textron have had 85 years of experience in this field. These three major global companies are firmly committed to common goals of building long-term working relationships with the Saudi companies with an aim to meet the challenges ahead in this sector. More than 55 delegates from well-known companies and Saudi institutions will attend the seminar.
