When Carnoustie’s former assistant links superintendent became course manager of The Northumberland Golf Club, top of his ‘to do’ list was switching to Barenbrug.

Paul O’Connor joined the prestigious Newcastle club in summer 2010, but wasted no time overseeding the heathland course with Barenbrug grass seed mixtures to get it up to his high standards.

To get his green surrounds looking and playing better, Paul’s kicked off the planned cross-course overseeding and species exchange programme with BAR Medal, supplied by local Barenbrug distributor Turfcare Specialists Limited. Boasting a very fine appearance – thanks to the inclusion of 60 percent Bargold very fine-leafed perennial ryegrass – this recent addition to the BAR Range also includes top-rated cultivar Viktorka slender creeping red fescue.

After thoroughly preparing the surface to remove thatch and compaction, Paul overseeded in late August through September in three passes while growing conditions were particularly favourable.

As he explains: “Bargold is an excellent cultivar. Because it’s very fine leafed, it’s integrating well with the coarser ryegrass and Poa annua already in there. It’s really helped get rid of the discrepancies in the playing surface and smooth it out. We had a good strike rate with the overseeding – it’s a consistent grower. Into winter, it’s proved to take wear very well and has a lovely appearance.”

But that was just phase one of the Barenbrug ‘invasion’ at The Northumberland!

As part of Paul’s wider improvement programme, he has already started using BAR All Bent on other areas of the course and is considering further Barenbrug mixtures. “As one of the region’s top clubs and a 2013 Open regional qualifying course, I’m keen to get better cultivars into the playing surface,” he continues. “I used Barenbrug while at Carnoustie and will continue to do so because of the quality of the product.”

For more information on Barenbrug’s specialist golf grass seed mixtures, call 01359 272000, email info@baruk.co.uk or visit www.barenbrug.co.uk.