Cold Ashby Golf Centre in Northamptonshire is enjoying some of the best course conditions in its history - and according to Course Manager Ashley Hammond and long-time member Roger Griffiths, Agrovista Amenity has played a big part in that success.
Since becoming a member-owned cooperative in 2019, Cold Ashby has been on a mission: to improve playing conditions, boost biodiversity, and manage the course in a more natural and sustainable way. With just five full-time staff, it’s no small task - but Ashley, who’s now in his 16th year at the club, has been fully committed to the approach from day one.
“It’s one of those things - you’ve got to be all in,” he says. “You can’t do it half-heartedly.”
Roger Griffiths, a member since 1978 and a retired golf course architect, has helped steer the club in this direction too. “The course is in better condition than I’ve ever seen it,” he says. “It's a team effort. Ash does a wonderful job around the course with his team and we're gradually improving it in a more natural way which is certainly more kind to the environment.”
A key part of the club’s progress has been its close partnership with Agrovista Amenity and Area Sales Manager Charlie Seager.
“Charlie’s been brilliant,” says Ashley. “He’s been with us from the start - we were actually the first course he visited when he got the job. And straight away it wasn’t a sales pitch. He just came in for a chat, got to know the place. That’s made a big difference.”
One of the most noticeable changes has come from a specific tank mix Charlie recommended - E2PRO Soluble and HumiMax. Applied monthly from March through to October, it’s become a core part of the club’s maintenance programme.
“It’s worked really well for us,” says Ashley. “Being a small team, we’ve found solubles easier to handle. You can tank mix them with other products and don’t have to worry about watering in or watching the weather too closely. It just fits our way of working.”
E2PRO Soluble is a high-performance, water-soluble fertiliser designed for fast and complete uptake by the plant. Its advanced formulation and full trace element package support plant health, rapid recovery, and resilience.
“Application to the greens has been consistent and we’ve definitely seen improvements,” Ashley explains. “We used to have early-season issues with disease, but this year that’s not really been a problem. It’s another tool in the armoury - and it’s working.”
HumiMax, a liquid humate derived from a natural source, complements the E2PRO Soluble by boosting soil health. It improves soil structure, enhances the soil’s nutrient-holding capacity, and helps release bound-up nutrients for better plant access.
From a member’s perspective, Roger says the change in approach has also improved the experience out on the course.
“Years ago, you’d pick up your golf ball and your hands would feel grim,” he laughs. “Not now. There’s barely any impact from the products - just a better course all round.”
“The recovery’s been quicker too,” he adds. “This year especially - it’s one of the fastest we’ve seen.”
Ashley agrees. “The course is definitely in the best condition it’s ever been. No doubt about it - and I think most of the members would say the same.”
As Cold Ashby Golf Centre continues its journey towards a more sustainable and high-performing future, the support from Agrovista Amenity and its tailored product solutions have proven to be a vital part of the story - helping the team deliver a better course for members, and a more environmentally conscious one for the future.