Tru-Turf asked two golf clubs a series of practical questions about rolling, surface performance, turf health, usability and long-term value. The responses came from Richard Johnstone MG, course manager at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, and John Clarke, courses manager at Woburn Golf Club – both experienced greenkeepers who use Tru-Turf rollers as part of their ongoing maintenance programmes.
At Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, the course team has been using the RB70 Tru-Turf golf greens roller to improve the way the ball performs across the putting surface. Their feedback was clear: rolling has helped make the surface “smoother, faster, and more consistent,” improving both ball roll and the player experience. The team noted that the roller provides a true ball roll by pressing down minor imperfections, footprints and irregularities, helping the greens become more uniform from one area to another.
Royal Aberdeen originally introduced regular rolling to improve surface smoothness, ball trueness, green speed consistency and turf health. After one year of use, the team says the rollers are performing well and exceeding expectations. They assess results through player feedback, ball roll, visual presentation, green speed and moisture content, while acknowledging that they do not currently collect consistent data on smoothness or trueness.
The benefits also extend beyond presentation. Royal Aberdeen has observed reduced mowing frequency, improved topdressing incorporation, better recovery after aeration, improved moisture uniformity and enhanced surface presentation for members. During periods of limited growth, reducing mowing frequency has helped place less stress on the plant, while still maintaining playability. The team also reported no signs of disease since an outbreak of Microdochium in November 2025, with consistent winter and spring rolling forming part of their wider turf management approach.
From a usability perspective, Royal Aberdeen described the Tru-Turf machine as easy to operate, easy to manoeuvre in tight areas and reliable day-to-day. The wider roller has also allowed the team to double roll more frequently or combine rolling with another task due to its speed and efficiency.
At Woburn Golf Club, rolling has also become part of the maintenance rhythm. The club reported that Tru-Turf rollers deliver a quick, low-manpower improvement in greens speed and smoothness, and that regular use has become a year-round part of maintenance practices. Woburn highlighted improvements in smoothness and trueness equally, supported by year-on-year evidence of improved consistency throughout the season.
The team also noted that rolling helps during low-growth periods and warm, dry spells, where the benefits last longer. In terms of turf health, Woburn pointed to a reduction in Dollar Spot during high-pressure periods and identified dew removal as a key part of a Microdochium strategy in late summer and early autumn.
Operationally, the most meaningful benefit has been better recovery after aeration, helping reduce the need to discount rates.
When compared with other rollers, Woburn selected surface result, build quality, ease of use, long-term value and trusted brand as key reasons Tru-Turf stands out. Their commitment is reflected in the numbers: the club has purchased 14 RB48 Golf Greens Rollers over the years.
Across both clubs, the message is consistent. Rolling is not simply about speed. Used regularly and thoughtfully, Tru-Turf rollers are helping course teams improve surface performance, support turf health, reduce operational pressure and give players a more consistent experience throughout the season. The article reflects those answers, with Tru-Turf’s wider story sitting behind them: more than 35 years of lightweight rolling innovation, rollers used on courses worldwide, and a human-centered approach shaped around the people maintaining the turf every day.
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