Rufford rootzone system used in modernisation and restoration project on Wentworth’s famous West Course

Rufford’s (the sports turf brand of Sibelco UK) specialist rootzone system, TurfStart, is being used in the modernisation and restoration of Wentworth’s world-famous West Course. Work began this month to reconstruct and modernise all eighteen greens and surrounds on the West Course to a USGA specification, replacing the current poa greens with colonial bent grass.

The new greens are being constructed with TurfStart to encourage faster establishment and healthier grass. The rootzone system is a combination of graded sand, a blend of organic amendments, Devon lignite and a controlled-release fertiliser. Supplied by Rufford from its quarry at Redhill in Surrey, the rootzone has been specially designed for the Wentworth project to full USGA specification.

In previous projects, both seed and turf grown using TurfStart has succeeded in a much faster establishment than turf grass grown using conventional construction techniques, producing a root mass up to 60% greater and increasing the rate of ground cover by as much as 60%.

Mick Higgins, Rufford’s Technical Manager, commented: “Our TurfStart rootzone system has repeatedly proved itself in establishing healthier greens in a much shorter space of time. It lends itself perfectly to the West Course modernisation scheme and we are delighted to be part of the team assembled to deliver one of the most important projects in Wentworth’s history.”

“This is something we’ve wanted to do for some time and I’m very pleased that the opportunity has now arisen,” said Chris Kennedy, Course Manager at Wentworth Club. “The objective is to produce a USGA specification consistent surface of the highest quality on every green on the West Course. Working closely with Ernie Els, the 7-time Champion on the West, we have reviewed each green so as to ensure that they become a fitting test for the modern day golfer whilst staying true to Harry Colt’s original vision.”