DJUKE, the
specialist sports turf maintenance company, managed by former Queenwood course
manager Cameron McMillan, has purchased a Ventrac 4500 compact tractor and a
selection of implements to enhance the company’s service portfolio to
golf courses and other turf-related businesses.
The new
package of machinery was delivered and installed by local dealer, RT Machinery,
based at Nether Winchendon, Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire.
Cameron
McMillan, who was at Queenwood for 15 years through the initial construction
phase, grow-in and the opening in 2001 until 2015, is one of the McMillian
dynasty that has managed many prestigious golf courses in the south of England.
“We
purchased the Ventrac to broaden our service offering to our growing client
base,” he said. “Since establishing the company in 2015 we have become known as
aeration and drainage specialists through our DryJect, Graden and PC Drainage
franchises.
"We
are now enhancing our range of services to help customers maintain everything
within the boundary of their property,
“Our
initial purchase included Ventrac’s ToughCut deck, the Power Rake and a Power
Brush. Woodland management is a time-intensive task for any on-site
greenkeeping team.
"The
ToughCut deck is excellent for managing these areas; it can cut through
bracken, brambles and young saplings with ease and leaves a very acceptable
finish.
"The
Power Rake is very impressive. We had a demonstration on a foul day and it
renovated the surfaces of machinery pathways and golf car paths with ease.
"The
Power Brush is typical of Ventrac’s attachments, easy to connect to the tractor
and highly efficient in use. I can’t believe how compact, powerful and
manoeuvrable the Ventrac is, whichever attachment is connected.
“Without
doubt this addition to our fleet will enable us to improve the non-playing
surfaces for our clients and provide business opportunities that were not
previously open to us. I’m delighted with the machinery package and the superb
service provided by Rupert Price and his team.”
Cameron
McMillan has been in the fine turf industry for 36 years, beginning his career
as a trainee at Sunningdale in 1982. He moved to Liphook as head greenkeeper at
the tender age of 21, before getting involved with his first construction
project at Pffafing Golplatz in Bavaria in 1990.
In 1992 he
joined Laleham Golf Club in Chertsey as course manager, moving to Stockley Park
before taking the position at Queenwood in 2000.
