VGR reaches milestone with 200th TopChanger XP for Scottish golf course |
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field managers and greenkeepers positively surprised by results when using the TopChanger
"If you do things differently than you're used to, you'll also achieve different results," says Ruud de Deugd, director of VGR Equipment. He's referring to the company's showpiece: the TopChanger XP. This unique aeration machine is now used worldwide on golf courses and sports fields. In May, the 200th unit was delivered to Whitecraigs Golf Club in Scotland.
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I speak with director De Deugd as he returns from a job in Germany. The TopChanger XP was used there to aerate a stadium field that had just been fitted with new under-soil heating. "They were afraid that a traditional aerator might damage the pipes. Our TopChanger works with water pressure, which avoids that risk." The heating supplier had referred them to the company in Almkerk. Word-of-mouth advertising has driven global adoption of the TopChanger XP in recent years. "The Emirates and Japan are interesting markets, and even in countries where we are already active, there is still plenty of growth potential," De Deugd says, looking ahead. The first months as director of VGR Equipment, after the handover from founder Arwin Verschoor, have gone well. "I have an enthusiastic team around me; everyone contributes to the success."
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"The advantage of this machine is that a treated green can be played on again quickly"
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Nearly sixty TopChangers are in operation in England. The 200th unit that VGR has now delivered will likely be used for the first time in summer. "The golf season has just started, and you don't want to inconvenience players," De Deugd explains. In theory, the TopChanger XP could easily be used during the season, as its main advantage is that a treated green is quickly playable again. "I understand they're hesitant. It's a different way of working than they're used to; best not to take risks when the course is heavily played."
Water pressure
This different way of working with the TopChanger XP means in practice that the green is aerated using water pressure, and the resulting holes are immediately filled with sand. "This creates a flat and stable playing surface, with a soil structure that allows sufficient air and has good drainage. The remaining sand layer can be brushed out to serve as a topdressing. So you get three treatments in one: aeration, sand injection, and topdressing. No other machine can do this," explains De Deugd.
Inventor
The TopChanger has been on the market for fifteen years. Former VGR owner Arwin Verschoor is the inventor. De Deugd: "All credit goes to him. This machine, capable of performing the three aforementioned tasks, was his idea. His belief in the concept and his perseverance led to the TopChanger, which causes minimal damage and delivers maximum results. The development took a lot of time, energy, and resources—but it succeeded. Thanks in part to a team that shares Arwin's drive."
Three technologies
What makes the TopChanger special is the combination of three technologies it uses: hydraulics, water, and electronics. "Combining two of these in one machine is already rare, let alone all three. Since we use the machine ourselves often, we've gained a lot of hands-on experience. This allowed us to perfect everything and be nearly 100% sure about what might happen. That's also VGR's great strength."
Wet sand
The biggest change since the introduction of the TopChanger was the switch from dry to wet sand. De Deugd: "When it rained, the machine wouldn't work anymore. Plus, wet sand is half the cost. You're using 40 to 60 tons per hectare, so just calculate how much you save." The TopChanger was later named TopChanger 1600, with the number referring to the 1.6-meter working width. In 2023, the XP designation was added. The X marked the ten-year anniversary, and the P stood for the upgraded machine's extra power.
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"We really do things differently"
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The TopChanger XP in its current form is, according to De Deugd, future-proof. Changes at VGR Equipment will mainly focus on expanding the product portfolio, he says. The company is always working on innovation. De Deugd: "We really do things differently. When field managers and greenkeepers see the TopChanger in action, they're positively surprised by the results. But you have to dare to break away from the methods you've used for years."
This article was previously published on June 10, 2025 on the Fieldmanager website.
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