Maintaining a golf course as unique and picturesque as Shiskine Golf and Tennis Club demands equipment that delivers exceptional results with precision and reliability.
For Head Greenkeeper Stewart Fotheringham, the introduction of two SISIS machines—the Maxislit and the Multislit—has been nothing short of revolutionary.
These innovative tools have transformed the condition of the course’s greens and fairways, setting a new standard for drainage, firmness, and overall playability, even in the face of challenging weather and high foot traffic.
Maintaining the course's stunning greens and fairways has always been a labour of love for Stewart. He began his career at Shiskine, on the Isle of Arran, in 1982 as a 15-year-old apprentice and, 42 years later, his passion for the course remains as strong as ever.
“If you’ve ever been here, you’ll understand why I’ve stayed so long,” Stewart explains. “The location is incredible, with breathtaking views, and the 12-hole layout is a hit with everyone. The members love it, and we see plenty of visitors in the summer. But with all that play, and the wind that hits us from every direction, the course takes a beating.”
To keep the course in peak condition, Stewart and his small team of two full-time and one part-time greenkeepers recently introduced two SISIS machines: the Maxislit for fairways and the Multislit for greens. The results, according to Stewart, have been transformative.
Shiskine’s seaside links course, established in 1896, is a mix of quirky features and challenging terrain. Regular aeration is essential to manage drainage, reduce compaction, and ensure the course can handle heavy play and unpredictable weather.
“The advice to incorporate slit tining came from our agronomist, Gordon Irvine,” says Stewart. “Gordon explained that slit tining over winter offers unique benefits, so we decided to invest in the Maxislit and Multislit from SISIS.”
The SISIS Maxislit, a tractor-mounted deep slitter, is used on fairways to enhance drainage and reduce compaction. “We use the Maxislit about three times between November and January,” Stewart says. The angle of the tines and the spiral design allow deep penetration with minimal surface disturbance, and it’s incredibly simple to operate—just hitch it to the tractor and go. “The results have been excellent,” adds Stewart.
On the greens, the SISIS Multislit, a tractor-mounted deep slitting lawn aerator, has also worked wonders. “We’ve only had the Multislit for a year, but the difference is remarkable,” Stewart notes. “After just a few uses, the greens are firmer and much drier. During Storm Darragh, we had 60mm of rain, and there wasn’t a single puddle on any of the greens. Before using the Multislit, we’d have seen standing water everywhere.”
Stewart emphasises the ease of use as a standout feature of both machines. “They’re straightforward and fast to set up. There’s no complex PTO shaft to deal with, and they’re highly effective. For the Multislit, we’ve used it 4-5 times so far, and the improvement in drainage and firmness has been incredible.”
For Stewart, the investment in SISIS machinery has been transformative. “If you’re struggling with soft greens or poor drainage, the Multislit is a must-have. It’s transformed our greens in no time. The Maxislit has been just as effective on our fairways. I’d recommend these machines to any greenkeeper—they’re simple, efficient, and deliver fantastic results.”
