Following an award-winning transformation of its nine-hole course, Bearsden Golf Club is protecting its investment with a Wiedenmann Terra Spike GXi8 HD, delivering regular deep aeration with remarkably little surface disruption.

The East Dunbartonshire club’s redevelopment, led by Project Course Manager David McBride, included new greens, improved drainage, irrigation and extensive remodelling, earning the team finalist recognition in the 2026 BIGGA Greenkeeping Project of the Year Awards.

Purchased alongside an ISEKI TG6507 tractor, the Terra Spike came with three sets of tines — 8 mm, 12 mm and 20 mm — to accommodate a comprehensive aeration programme across greens, fairways, semi-rough and approaches. Wiedenmann UK’s Lead Demonstrator, Andy Kerr carried out the installation training and handover alongside Fairways GM Area Sales Manager, Stuart Cameron.

“We’re planning around five treatments a year on greens, five or six on fairways and five on aprons,” explained David. “We’ve already been across all the fairways and semi-rough three times, making the most of suitable weather windows. We’ve gone through a complete set of 20 mm tines, which shows how much work it’s done.”

The club’s new greens have a 300 mm sand cap, but even David was surprised by the finish following their first summer aeration.

“We used the 8 mm tines and, without exaggeration, there was virtually no surface disruption. You genuinely wouldn’t have known a tractor and deep aerator had been across the greens. We could probably have got away without rolling, but gave them the lightest of irons. The finish was impressive.”

He is equally enthusiastic about the machine’s engineering and ease of operation.

“The tines go in smoothly and come out cleanly. There’s no clinking or banging, just steady, controlled operation. Getting the speed and depth right is important, but adjustments are so straightforward. No spanners, no fuss. If you’re approaching stonier ground, you can quickly alter the depth and return to your original setting afterwards.”

The Terra Spike’s next task is the club’s extensive approaches, with green complexes sometimes stretching 50 metres from the hole.

With brand new pop-up sprinklers and service boxes throughout the redesigned course, preparation is essential. David, or a team membermark these in advance so the operator can work confidently around the irrigation infrastructure.

“In time we will know exactly where all these hazards are…” David also praises the compatibility of the ISEKI TG6507 the GXi8 HD.“I’ve used all sorts of tractors and aerators, and some combinations feel awkward when lifting and travelling between areas. The ISEKI and Wiedenmann are a perfect fit. It’s a really confident pairing, both in transport and when you’re aerating.”

For Bearsden, the Terra Spike is now an integral part of maintaining the standards achieved through its ambitious redevelopment, allowing regular aeration while keeping disruption to playing surfaces and golfers to a minimum