At Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS), building long-term relationships with facilities is just as important as supplying the right products. That partnership approach is on full display at Cromer Lawn Tennis & Squash Association, where Groundsman and General Manager Matthew Jordan relies on OAS as the club’s sole supplier of grass seed, nutritional products and line marking paint to maintain 10 busy grass courts through an intensive playing season.
Cromer LTA is a bustling multi-sport and community venue, offering accessible facilities and coaching for a range of racket sports together with supporting local groups including yoga, chess and running clubs. With around 500 members including 120 juniors, the facilities are open year-round – with the grass courts hosting the brunt of the action between mid-April and the end of September. “For us, maintaining consistently high-quality playing surfaces is essential and it’s something that is much more achievable with the reliable results we achieve with an OAS programme” explains Matthew.
“It’s something that we’ve developed over a number of years, working closely alongside our OAS Area Sales Representative Mark Keysell to establish the right products and gather the practical guidance we need to make informed decisions. We have budgets to work to and really appreciate that Mark respects this and structures a plan that delivers both value and long-term results.”
Keeping the courts fit for daily play in addition to a packed tournament schedule which includes a British Tour event, county championships and junior and senior tournaments begins with the right grass seed, and for that Matthew opts for R9 100% dwarf ryegrass. “This hard-wearing mix is ideal for tennis. After a fairly heavy renovation, we sow R9 at the conclusion of the grass court season and let this establish throughout October.”
Matthew then turns his attention to a winter nutrition programme consisting of Multigreen 15-0-22 to maintain plant health through the colder months before kickstarting spring growth in February with an application of Cold Start Boost-R 11-5-5. “This product really get’s the grass moving, enabling us to gradually lower the heights and increase the frequency of mowing to get us down to 8-10mm when the season starts” he adds. Supporting performance during the busiest periods is H-Cote 22-3-8, which forms part of a wider site programme which includes selective weed controls, Enclean hard surface biocide and Tri-Cure granular.
For Matthew and the team, having one trusted supplier simplifies operations and provides confidence throughout the year. “It’s now at the point where this programme is tried and tested, but it’s great to have Mark on hand with help, advice and guidance when needed.” He concludes, “It’s thanks to this partnership that our grass courts are as good as they are.”