Edinburgh, Scotland: Following a successful year-long trial, Broomieknowe Golf Club had no hesitation in adding the Air2G2 336 from Campey Turf Care Systems to its turf maintenance fleet.

Located in Bonnyrigg on the outskirts of Edinburgh, Broomieknowe Golf Club is a picturesque parkland course that has been a staple of the Midlothian golfing scene since its establishment in 1905.

With mature, tree-lined fairways and testing greens, the course presents a fine balance of challenge and playability for members and visitors.

Under the care of Head Greenkeeper Billy Hudson, who joined the club just under a year ago, the challenge has been to improve drainage on the 18 greens.

Hudson knew the half-sand, half-soil composition needed to be addressed to make progress, and he turned to STRI consultant Gary Smith for advice.

Smith suggested a trial programme using the Air2G2, a machine Hudson was already familiar with from his time at Ratho Park Golf Club, where he first purchased one in 2017.

Hudson said: “When Gary came to the club in June 2024, he suggested we use the Air2G2 once a month on the greens over five months to improve the rooting and drainage, and we noticed significant improvements.

“It was clear the greens needed attention, but after speaking with Gary, we agreed that simply applying more sand wasn’t the answer. Instead, we needed to explore alternative forms of aeration, and that’s when Gary suggested the Air2G2.

“For the trial, we got someone in to do the work for us. But the results were so impressive that we knew we needed to get a machine of our own to continue the progress.”

The impressive results observed at Broomieknowe are largely due to the innovative design of the Air2G2.

The machine works by laterally injecting air into the root zone at three different depths using probes that penetrate the soil without surface disruption. This fractures compacted layers and increases pore space, promoting better water infiltration and oxygen flow to roots. It’s particularly effective on fine soil profiles, where traditional aeration might be less effective or more disruptive.

The club now uses the machine early in the mornings, rotating across six greens per week, allowing them to cover all 18 in three weeks. Because of the minimal impact on the surface, this is done without causing any disruption to golfers.

The relationship with Campey Turf Care Systems also played a key role in Broomieknowe’s decision to invest in the Air2G2.

Hudson originally dealt with Campey’s Richard Heywood when buying the Air2G2 at Ratho Park and said the back-up service has always been spot on, with support always there when it’s needed.

*Campey Turf Care Systems is a Full Business Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.