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STRI (Sports Turf Research Institute) will be officially launching the Trueness Meter at this years Open Championship at St. Andrews.
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As the world's top golfers head for St Andrews they can look forward to facing perfect playing surfaces when they tackle the world famous course thanks to STRI's (Sports Turf Research Institute) groundbreaking Trueness Meter™.
The revolutionary new technology, part of the wider STRI Programme, has played a pivotal role in ensuring all 18 greens will be consistent and of an optimal trueness when the likes of Tiger Woods and Stewart Cink, current holder of the claret jug, take to the course.
The Trueness Meter™, developed in conjunction with Sheffield Hallam University following funding from the R&A, is used as an integral part of the STRI Programme which accurately and objectively measures speed, smoothness, firmness, consistency and year round performance. The technology is being hailed as one of the biggest steps forward in the agronomy industry in 30 years and the only accurate, effective and efficient method of measuring smoothness and trueness of a green.
Richard Windows, STRI's Turfgrass Agronomist, said: "In the eyes of the true professional the ideal putting surface comprises of optimal speed, smoothness and trueness. The perfect putting surface tests the player but also gives reward for skilful play. STRI's Trueness Meter™ allows greenkeepers for the first time to forensically analyse the greens during an event and refine operations to help them implement 18 greens of the highest order."
The trolley device works by being pushed across the surface at a pace that reflects the speed of the ball, starting at a 10ft putt. With the aid of electronics and a metal wheel that has the same footprint and down pressure of a golf ball, the Trueness Meter™ measures the amount of vertical displacement (smoothness) and lateral deviation (trueness) in terms of millimetres. The technological advancement is set to revolutionise tournament preparation as it allows greenkeepers to pick up minute textural differences in the turf, the influence of Poa annua seedheads, the impact of maintenance treatments, wear and tear, pest and disease activity and pitch marks.
The Trueness Meter™ was first trialled at the 2009 Scottish Open and has been at the core of preparations for this summer's Open Championship.
Gordon Moir, Director of Greenkeepers at St Andrews Links Trust said: "The STRI Programme, which includes the STRI's Trueness Meter™ is a significant advancement in ensuring one of the world's greatest golf tournaments will provide greens of the highest standard. I believe the information Gordon McKie, Course Manager of the Old Course and I will obtain, will enable us to produce a golf course that offers players an enhanced level of performance both now and in the future."
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For more information, please contact Simon Brown or Adam Burns at Ptarmigan Bell Pottinger on 0113 237 2834 or simon@ptarmiganpr.co.uk / adam@ptarmiganpr.co.uk
Richard Windows is available for further interview upon request.
The STRI Programme
In January 2010 STRI launched a new agronomy service that brings a far greater level of objective measurement. The STRI Programme was conceived and developed as an enhanced addition to the agronomy service and it was piloted by the Agronomists Alistair Beggs, Richard Windows and Henry Bechelet to clients throughout 2009.
The STRI Programme adds a new element to the existing service because it provides a more accurate, objective and analytical assessment. It is completely objective and utilises measurement tools to form the foundation of the assessment, to help set specific maintenance objectives and monitor progress towards the ideal level of performance.
About STRI
STRI (previously the Sports Turf Research Institute) is a world leader in sports surface research, design, construction and maintenance.
Founded in 1929, STRI was originally set up to provide advice on golf course management to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. Since then their portfolio of work has expanded to encompass football, golf, rugby, cricket, horseracing, show jumping, tennis, bowls, hockey and gaelic games and synthetic turf. STRI's clients range from local football clubs and golf courses to the world's largest stadia.
Based in Bingley, West Yorkshire, STRI today employs around 80 people and has a turnover of £3.5 million. It has worked in more than 32 countries worldwide, advising in more than 10,000 sports facilities ranging from world-renowned venues through to local clubs and public amenities.
STRI advises clients on both a project and retained basis. Its services range from designing, specifying and managing the construction and maintenance for new sports surfaces/venues through to ongoing monitoring, testing, maintenance and upgrading of existing surfaces.
STRI's clients include sports governing bodies, stadium architects and contractors, sports club owners and facilities managers, local authorities and schools.
Venues STRI is currently advising on include:
Football: All 2010 FIFA World Cup stadia and training pitches in South Africa, UEFA Champions League stadia
Golf: all nine Open Championship courses, The R&A
Tennis: Wimbledon
Rugby: Murrayfield, Millennium, Twickenham, Aviva
Gaelic: Croke Park, Semple Stadium, Kildare GAA, Wexford GAA, Kilkenny GAA, Wicklow GAA
Cricket: Headingley, Lords
Equestrian: Wetherby, Ascot, Cheltenham, Leopardstown, Ballydoyle
Contact Information
Adam Burns
Ptarmigan Academy
Calls Wharf
2, The Calls
Leeds
LS2 7JU
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