Maintaining high-quality natural grass tennis courts is no easy task, particularly when they are expected to withstand weeks of intensive play during a packed summer schedule.
At Rye Lawn Tennis Club in East Sussex, Head Groundsman Adam Stunt has spent the past 16 years ensuring the club's eight grass courts remain among the finest in the region and MM50 grass seed plays a key role in that success.
Founded in 1922, Rye Lawn Tennis Club boasts a diverse range of facilities, including eight grass courts, three artificial clay courts, two padel courts, squash courts, a croquet lawn and a gym. However, it is the club's renowned grass courts that continue to attract praise from players and visitors alike.
According to Adam, the transformation in the quality of the playing surfaces began around 15 years ago when the courts were laser levelled and a greater emphasis was placed on court preparation and maintenance.
"The club has always hosted a major open tournament at the end of the summer," he said. "Years ago, some of the feedback from players wasn't particularly great because they were playing at clubs with higher-quality surfaces. Since the courts were laser levelled and more focus was put on maintenance, that has completely changed. Most people who play here now feel the standard of the grass courts is right up there."
Central to that maintenance programme is MM50, a specialist perennial ryegrass mixture.
"It's what we've used for the entire time I've been here," said Adam. "It's something that we massively respect and rely on because of the quality of the seed and the results that we get year after year."
MM50 delivers a fine-textured, hard-wearing sward with excellent shoot density, close-mowing tolerance and rapid recovery from wear. The mixture is treated with Headstart GOLD, helping to promote fast establishment and strong early growth.
For Adam, the speed of germination remains one of the product's standout features.
"That is something that's always amazed me," he said. "The speed at which germination happens is unbelievable. The quickest I've had over the years is about five days from seed going in. Obviously that's not full growth, but you're definitely seeing it sprouting. It's something we really can't fault."
Each autumn, following the playing season, Rye Lawn Tennis Club undertakes a comprehensive renovation programme across all eight courts. Depending on conditions and requirements, this may involve fraise mowing or more intensive Koro renovation work to remove accumulated thatch and organic matter before reseeding.
Adam’s maintenance programme continues throughout the winter with regular mowing and nutrition applications to maintain plant health. As spring arrives, Adam carries out a further overseeding programme using MM50 to ensure maximum density heading into the playing season.
"When weather allows, usually around the middle of April, we'll overseed again at a lighter rate, apply a light top dressing and some fertiliser, and then let it come through before the season starts."
The demands placed on the courts are significant. During the club's annual open tournament and associated tennis festival, all eight courts can be in constant use from morning until evening for several consecutive weeks.
"During our busiest period, all eight courts can be in play from 9.30 in the morning until 8 o'clock at night," said Adam. "That's during our three-day open tournament, but it's followed by junior events and club tournaments, so for two or three weeks they are absolutely hammered. By the end of it, they definitely look like they need a rest."
Despite the intense wear, MM50 continues to deliver the durability and recovery required to maintain playing standards.
The club purchases its seed through Fine Turf and, given his experience with the product, Adam has no hesitation in recommending it to other tennis clubs.
"I would definitely recommend MM50 to anyone involved in tennis. For us, the system isn't broken, so we're not trying to fix it. The perennial ryegrass works perfectly because of its hardiness, wear tolerance and ability to cope with close mowing. We wouldn't use anything else."
With rapid establishment, exceptional wear tolerance and proven performance under tournament conditions, MM50 continues to provide Rye Lawn Tennis Club with the consistency and reliability needed to produce championship-quality grass courts year after year.
