Optimising Turf Health and Moisture Management at Formby Golf Club

“On a links course like ours, where conditions can shift dramatically in just 24 hours, moisture control is key to ensuring consistency and turf quality,” says Joe.

Experience that builds confidence

Joe, who joined Formby Golf Club this winter, previously worked at Royal Lytham and Fairhaven, where H2Pro TriSmart, a soil surfactant that also provides proven biostimulant benefits, was used. Having seen the product’s positive impact firsthand, Joe was confident it would bring similar benefits to the course and its players.

Joe Barnes, Course Manager, Formby Golf Club

A flexible, targeted application strategy

“We wanted a product that would maximise our irrigation system’s potential and reduce time spent hand-watering dry spots. TriSmart delivered exactly that,” adds Joe. “I like the low application rate and the flexibility to increase the rates depending on time of year, conditions, and turf needs.”

Joe will be applying TriSmart monthly to all fine turf areas at Formby, including greens, tees, surrounds, fairways, and walkways, from February to October. The product improves moisture retention, enhances water distribution, and supports healthy root development, while also providing biostimulant benefits that contribute to overall turf health and growth.

Proven results and expert endorsement

“Based on my experience at Royal Lytham and Fairhaven, I’m confident we’ll see outstanding performance at Formby, particularly on the greens. I’ve seen firsthand how TriSmart reduces dry patches, strengthens root growth, and enhances turf health,” says Joe.

“At my previous course, our agronomist commented that moisture levels on the greens had become more consistent, and the overall appearance had improved significantly,” adds Joe.

Formby Golf Club is renowned as one of the world’s greatest links courses.

Time savings and operational efficiency

TriSmart is also cost-effective. Its low application rates reduce overall costs, and by ensuring even moisture distribution, it cuts down on manual watering, saving Joe’s team significant time previously spent hand-watering.

“We’ve saved time and reduced labour costs, which allowed us to focus on other priorities,” explains Joe.

Member feedback and final thoughts

Members also noticed the difference, commenting frequently on the improved health and firmness of the turf.

“TriSmart is the best product on the market—offering consistent results, excellent moisture spreading both across and through the soil profile, and a competitive price for a premium product. It’s perfect for maintaining the firmness expected on a links course,” says Joe.

Joe’s experience at Royal Lytham and Fairhaven, coupled with his confidence in TriSmart’s ability to optimise moisture control, enhance turf health, and increase operational efficiency, demonstrates how course managers can achieve superior playing surfaces while saving time and reducing costs.