Le Golf National de France has selected a fleet of Jacobsen golf mowers for its golf courses located at Guyancourt in the Yvelines department south-west of Paris. The equipment has been supplied by the local distributor of Ransomes Jacobsen France, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ransomes Jacobsen Ltd.
The courses at Le Golf National de France are the property of the Fédération Française de Golf (FF Golf), and have been the home of the principal French men’s golf tournament since 1991. The Golf National is bidding to hold the Ryder Cup in 2018.
Designed by eminent French golf course architect Hubert Chesneau in 1987, the Golf National was opened in 1990. It features three courses – the Albatross, an 18-hole championship course; the Aigle (Eagle) also 18 holes; and the Oiselet (Birdie) – a nine-hole training course. The facility which occupies 135 hectares, is currently applying for GEO Certification.
The signature course is the Albatross (par 72, 6,695 meters), which hosts the principal French men’s tournament every July, and features spectacular holes with lakes and water hazards coming into play on twelve of the eighteen holes. The record lowest score is a 10 under par 62 shot by Argentinean Eduardo Romero in 2005.
The Golf National has chosen greens, tees, fairways and rough mowers from Jacobsen. Their fleet features twenty-seven machines with further orders promised during the term of the contract.
Director of Golf, Olivier Roche, said that the decision to change to Jacobsen equipment after many years with the competition was due to a number of clear considerations. “The local Ransomes Jacobsen dealer Jardins Loisirs, as well as RJ France, have been here at the Golf National whenever we needed them; they have values that we share; they are experienced in our business, recognise our needs and offer true support”, he said.
The worldwide reputation of Jacobsen’s greens mowers’ quality of cut was also a very important consideration. “A major men’s tournament takes place here every July, and we are bidding to host the 2018 Ryder Cup; the quality of our greens is vital to us and to the world-class golfers who compete on the Tour. The use of Jacobsen Eclipse 122 pedestrian mowers will continue to raise the playing standard of our greens and the visual appeal of the course”. To summarise, Olivier added “This is a true partnership – proactive, with true human spirit”.
In addition to the Jacobsen equipment fleet the Golf National also has ten E-Z-GO TXT golf cars which are used by disabled golfers to enjoy the course.
Olivier Roche manages a team of twenty-three greenkeepers, whose Head Greenkeeper is Géraud Doyotte. For major championships such as the French Open, the greenkeeping team is increased by an additional seventeen members.
Commenting on the supply contract Laurent Proupin (Directeur-Général of Ransomes Jacobsen France) said: “We feel very honoured to have been chosen by this most prestigious course and the French Golf Federation to supply their equipment. We are delighted that our attention to detail and unrivalled service have been key reasons for the Golf National’s decision.
“Jacobsen machines are now used by the three courses in France holding the three principal golf tournaments, who are very satisfied by the mowers’ performance together with our worldwide reputation and our local personal service”.
David Withers, managing director of Ransomes Jacobsen, who was present at the signing of the supply contract expressed his delight at the Golf National’s choice. “We are delighted that this most prestigious organisation has decided to choose Jacobsen equipment,” He said. “Our local distributor and Laurent Proupin’s team have worked tirelessly to win this contract. We will do everything possible to meet the Golf National’s needs and to keep their course at the forefront of European and world golf.”
Ransomes Jacobsen www.ransomesjacobsen.com
Golf National de France www.golf-national.com