The Sports Turf Research Institute - About STRI

Area Manager - Scotland and Ireland
Turfgrass Agronomist - The North of Ireland   

Contact Ian McClements 

Ian joined the STRI in 1991 to co-ordinate a Sports Council funded research project on the playing quality characteristics of Rugby and natural turf hockey pitches. In 1993, Ian became the STRI's Regional Agronomist for Ireland based in Co. Down. As well as covering a wide range of golf courses and sports facilities, he also undertakes agronomy work on behalf of the R&A. He is particularly interested in golf links maintenance issues. Other work has taken him to the USA.

In addition to his agronomy work Ian has been involved in a number of golf course development projects and winter games pitch improvement schemes. He has also written articles for Greenkeeper International, Greenside and the STRI's International Turfgrass Bulletin as well as lecturing in both Ireland and the UK.

Ian is a 1988 graduate of Queens University, Belfast with a degree in Agricultural Botany and obtained his PhD in 1991. Ian is married with three children, Cameron, Sara and Rachel. In addition to his interest in golf, he is actively involved in Portadown Boat Club where he coaches junior crews to national level.  

Relevant Experience:

• Local Authorities - Specialist pitch consultant involved in the design & monitoring of constructional improvements to many local authority facilities
• Lahinch GC, Tralee GC, Royal Dublin GC - Specialist consultant as part of the design team involved in the remodelling of the golf courses.
• Dun Laoghaire GC - Specialist consultant as part of the design team involved in the drainage design, construction & grow-in of the new golf course.
• Pearse-OG, Saval GFC - Lead consultant in the design, procurement and monitoring of the construction of the new Gaelic pitch.
• Linfield FC - Agronomic consultant to the club.
• SCNI - Preparation of numerous Feasibility Studies for sports facilities providing a summary of the site and recommended strategies for redevelopment work.

Ian's Agronomy Team: Richard Windows | Conor Nolan | Jay Dobson