Air2G2 used to minimise surface disturbance at Quinta do Lago Golf Club

Quinta do Lago Golf Club, a premier golf resort in Portugal, is renowned for hosting major tournaments such as the Portuguese Open and the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship. With three 18-hole courses and a variety of junior and charity events, maintaining the quality of its turf is essential. Golf Course Superintendent Scott McLean, a key figure in turf management at Quinta do Lago, has introduced innovative equipment like the Air2G2 and other tools such as from Campey Turf Care Systems to ensure top-notch course conditions.

Maintaining the pristine condition of golf courses at Quinta do Lago comes with its own set of challenges. The club faced issues with compaction, surface disruption, and water retention, which affected the quality and playability of the turf. These problems needed to be addressed quickly and effectively as Quinto Do Lago is such a prominent venue for international competitions.

Scott McLean had had previous experience with the Air2G2 and in 2023, Scott McLean contacted Campey Sales Director Lee Morgado to work out a strategy to integrate the Air2G2 into the maintenance program. The primary motivation was to address the compaction issues and improve soil aeration without causing significant surface disruption. The Air2G2 was chosen for its ability to inject compressed air into the soil, creating fractures and channels that enhance water percolation and root growth. Portuguese machinery distributor Torre Marco, has worked with Campey for the last 10 years, and were able to supply the Air2G2 ensuring that any back up service required was in place.

“The introduction of the Air2G2 proved to be a game-changer for Quinta do Lago.” Said Scott, “The equipment's unique ability to aerate the soil without damaging the turf surface enabled our greens team to maintain the playing conditions throughout the year.

Our priority was to minimise surface disruption, while getting deep into the soil to break up the compacted layers. In some areas we were experiencing puddling on the surface, and we would target them specifically with the Air2G2. The aim was just to try penetrating the layers and help the increase the percolation throughout the soil by getting air in there and breaking it up.”
The results were immediately noticeable, with improved water drainage, which has led to healthier turf, and enhanced overall course performance.

In addition to the Air2G2, Scott McLean employed other equipment from Campey Turf Care Systems to further enhance the maintenance program including the Campey™ UniRake, IMANTS – RootPruner and Campey™ – Aeraseeder. The combination of these tools allowed for a comprehensive approach to turf management, addressing various aspects such as root removal, soil conditioning, and precision seeding.

Scott McLean's strategic use of the Air2G2 and other Campey equipment at Quinta do Lago Golf Resort highlights the importance of adopting innovative turf management solutions. The successful implementation of these tools has resulted in healthier, more resilient turf, contributing to the club's reputation as a premier golf destination. This is an excellent example of how to enhance maintenance practices and achieve optimal course conditions.