Better greens drainage and root development after trialling an Air2G2 336 air injector has prompted Broomieknowe Golf Club to add the unit to its turf maintenance fleet.
The year-long trial at the parkland course in Bonnyrigg, just outside Edinburgh, follows a move by head greenkeeper Billy Hudson to tackle slow drainage across its 18 greens.
In its 120th year, the Midlothian course features mature tree-lined fairways and testing greens, presenting a fine balance of challenge and playability for members and visitors.
Still in post for under a year, Billy knew the half-sand, half-soil profile needed urgent attention and asked STRI consultant Gary Smith for advice during his annual agronomy visit.
Gary suggested trialling the Air2G2 (supplied through Campey Turf Care) a machine Billy knew about from his time at Ratho Park Golf Club, where he had bought one in 2017.
“When Gary came to the club in June 2024, he recommended using the Air2G2 once a month on the greens over five months to improve rooting and drainage. We noticed significant improvements,” Billy explains.
“It was clear the greens needed attention, but after speaking with Gary, we agreed that simply applying more sand wasn’t the answer. Instead, we needed to explore alternative forms of aeration.
“For the trial, we brought in a contractor to do the work but the results were so impressive we knew we needed one of our own to continue the progress.”
The machine laterally injects air into the rootzone at three different depths using probes that penetrate the soil without surface disruption. The activity fractures compacted layers and increases pore space, promoting better water infiltration and oxygen flow to roots. It’s particularly effective on fine soil profiles, where traditional aeration might be less effective or more disruptive, Campey says.
The club uses the machine early mornings, rotating across six greens weekly, allowing the team to cover them all 18 in three weeks, without impacting golfers, and giving Billy confidence the greens will continue to thrive, especially during wetter months, when drainage performance is critical.
www.campeyturfcare.com