Full Academy Support Without Another Soil Analysis

Not every bowling green needs another soil analysis simply because twelve months have passed. Some clubs are still working through the programme produced from their previous report. Others may be happy with the progress they are making and want to continue along the same path for another season. Some greenkeepers simply feel that annual testing is more frequent than they need.

Until now, these clubs faced a fairly blunt choice: renew their Academy Membership and receive another soil analysis, or leave the Academy and lose access to the advice, courses, discounts and support that helped them put the programme into practice.

So, in response to a common enquiry, I’ve introduced Academy Lite.

Academy Lite Membership

Academy Lite gives you all the ongoing benefits of Bowls Central Academy Membership at a reduced annual cost, but without a new soil analysis being included.

Everything else remains as it is.

Why Would You Choose Academy Lite?

Soil analysis is extremely valuable when we need to understand a green for the first time, investigate an ongoing problem or establish a clear starting point for a new improvement programme. It is a valuable tool for monitoring whether important changes are moving in the right direction. However, meaningful soil improvement takes time and a repeat of the current programme is often what is required, especially in terms of autumn renovations when the green is beyond peak sand already.

Organic matter, root development, thatch reduction, nutrient balance, microbial activity and the physical condition of the rootzone do not transform overnight. In many cases, the best next step is not another test. It is another year of applying the programme consistently and giving the green time to respond.

Academy Lite allows you to do exactly that while retaining the support needed to keep the programme on course.

Ideal for Existing and Previous Members

Academy Lite has been introduced particularly with existing and previous Academy members in mind. First time members should definitely still plump for the full membership including soil analysis for the best possible start.

Academy Lite may be the right option if:

• You already have a Bowls Central soil analysis and greenkeeping programme.
• You are happy to repeat your current programme for another year.
• Your green is improving and there is no urgent reason to commission another test.
• You would prefer to have soil analysis carried out every two or three years rather than annually.
• You want continued access to personal advice while implementing the recommendations from your existing report.
• You want to retain the financial benefits of membership without paying for analysis you do not currently need.

You can always return to Full Academy Membership when the time is right for another soil analysis.

This might be after a major renovation, when new problems appear, when progress stalls or when enough time has passed for a repeat analysis to provide a useful comparison.

The testing schedule should serve the needs of the green. The green should not be made to fit an arbitrary testing schedule.

What Is Included?

Academy Lite members continue to receive the practical benefits that make the Academy valuable throughout the year.

These include full access to the Academy’s online greenkeeping courses, with more than 30 detailed lessons already available and new material added regularly.

You also retain unlimited access to me for personal greenkeeping advice. You can ask questions, discuss problems as they develop and get help adapting your existing programme to changing weather, playing demands and the condition of the green.

Academy Lite also includes:

• Full access to the Bowls Central Academy training courses.
• Unlimited personal greenkeeping advice and support.
• Access to the complete Bowls Central knowledge library of nearly 400 specialist articles.
• A permanent 12.5% discount on greenkeeping materials.
• A permanent 5% discount on tools and equipment.
• Unlimited free delivery to mainland Great Britain.
• Access to new courses, lessons and Academy material as they are published.

The purpose of the Academy has never been simply to provide a soil report.

The report gives us a starting point. The real work comes afterwards: understanding the recommendations, choosing the right materials, responding to changing conditions and avoiding the expensive cycle of treating symptoms without addressing their causes.

That ongoing support remains at the heart of Academy Lite.

Full Membership or Academy Lite?

Full Academy Membership remains the best choice for first time members and for a club that needs a new Peak Sand and Soil Chemistry Analysis, a fresh written greenkeeping programme and a clear assessment of its current position.

Academy Lite is likely to be the better choice when you already have that information and want to continue using it.

Full Academy support. Lower annual cost. No unnecessary repeat testing.