Turnberry Resort course manager, George Brown, has paid tribute to the Toro equipment that helped him prepare the Ailsa Championship Course for the 138th Open.
George and his greenkeeping team used a legion of Toro mowers to keep the Ayrshire course in immaculate condition throughout the Championship, which saw Tom Watson’s bid to become the oldest player to win The Open end in defeat when the 59-year-old was beaten in a four-hole play-off by fellow American, Stewart Cink.
“We began our preparations for The Open by significantly increasing our fleet in the last six months, which has helped tremendously,” George reveals. “We’re very happy with all the new machines, particularly the greens and fairway mowers. The ability to stripe in one direction with the fairways is a real advantage. The Reelmaster 3100-D Sidewinder is also great, helping us to cut closer on certain areas.”
George, who has been a Toro customer for the past 20 years, has also been using a HydroJect 3010 water injector aerator. “The HydroJect has really helped alleviate compaction and get some water into the roots.”
The Scottish course is in good company when it comes to Toro-exclusive customers playing host to past and future Opens. The long list includes the likes of St Andrews Links (2005 and 2010), Royal Liverpool (2006) and Carnoustie (2007). Other hosts who use some Toro kit include Royal Lytham & St Annes (2001 and 2012), Muirfield (2002 and 2013) and Royal Birkdale (2008).
Toro Commercial products are distributed throughout mainland UK by Lely (UK) Limited, 1 Station Road, St Neots, PE19 1QH. Call 01480 226800, email toro.info.uk@lely.com
Toro www.toro.com
Turnberry www.turnberry.co.uk