Rob Groves, Course Manager at Letchworth Golf Club, Hertfordshire, says his team has found an easy rhythm when it comes to aeration.
“We don’t let it cause any fuss,” he explains.
Rob joined Letchworth GC in 2022, having previously been Course Manager at Spalding Golf Club in Lincolnshire. Upon arriving, he was fortunate to inherit two Wiedenmann Terra Spikes: a GXi8 HD and an SL6.
The GXi8 HD, Wiedenmann’s top-selling aerator, offers a 1.8 m working width and reaches depths of up to 25 cm. The SL6 is the lightest machine in the Wiedenmann fleet, weighing just 610 kg, but still delivers a tine depth of up to 21 cm.
“During the summer, we spike the greens once a month using the SL6 with solid tines. It helps us stay on top of cultural practices. We alternate the depth – 20 cm one time, then 10 cm the next,” says Rob. “That continues right through to late September, when we switch to hollow coring and do an annual run using the same machine.”
The team has developed a clear, efficient routine for aeration days. “Take this morning. One of our team starts early at 4:00 am and works through to 1:00 pm. Another colleague takes over to finish off the last couple of hours. It means we’re all done by around 2.30pm. In fact, we’ve got a junior tournament coming up, and we’re right on schedule.”
Rob adds: “One of the best investments we made for the SL6 was adding turf retainers with tine holders. They’ve made a real difference—especially on one green that tends to retain more water. It’s allowed us to give that area the extra attention it needs. That said, even without the turf retainers, the SL6 delivers excellent results without affecting ball roll.”
Multi tine holders attach to each of the SL 6’s six legs. Rob chose the narrow configuration, where each head carries four tines spaced 55 mm apart. This setup delivers a denser and more targeted aeration pattern.
“In summer, after aerating the greens, we follow up with a double roll using our Smithco Ultra XL,” Rob explains. “It’s my favourite iron by far. I’ve tried most of the manufacturers, but the XL stands out. It’s extra wide, so it really speeds things up.”
While the SL6 is reserved exclusively for greens, the GXi8 HD is deployed more widely across the course—on tees, fairways, and occasionally the greens when deeper aeration is needed.
Rob and his team of six use the GXi8 HD on all fairways at least once a year, often revisiting more challenging areas as needed. Tees, collars, and approaches also benefit from the GXi8 on a regular basis, and Rob appreciates having the flexibility to choose the right tool for each task.
Since joining Letchworth, Rob has conciously stepped up the club’s aeration programme—and the results are clear.
“We’ve made good progress in developing healthier greens with deeper, stronger root systems by letting the air through. Using temporary greens is now a thing of the past.”
With aeration running smoothly and without disruption, Rob and his team have been able to focus on other key projects.
“We’ve pushed ourselves quite hard,” he says. “Our bunker renovation project has just been completed, and last summer we installed a new irrigation system, which took us right through the winter. We also tackled one of the greens with rope drainage.”
It’s been a busy period of improvement—but Rob is pleased with the direction things are going.
“It’s satisfying to see the results of our work and know we’re moving the course forward.”