The Professional Golfers’ Association and Ransomes Jacobsen, a subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT), have signed a three-year agreement where the Ipswich-based turf equipment manufacturer becomes the official supplier of turfcare equipment to the PGA.
In addition to official supplier status, Ransomes Jacobsen will supply support equipment to the PGA for use by specified golf courses preparing for PGA tournaments. The agreement also gives golf courses managed by PGA Golf Management access to Ransomes Jacobsen equipment with enhanced benefits and terms.
PGA Golf Management manages seven golf clubs throughout the world including Laucala Island Resort in Fiji and the Riffa Golf Club, Bahrain’s first international 18-hole grass golf course.
Commenting at the signing of the agreement at The Open Championship, Sandy Jones, chief executive of the PGA, said, “We are delighted with the outcome of our negotiations with Ransomes Jacobsen. We have entered this business partnership knowing that we will be working with one of the leading turf equipment manufacturers, world-wide. Through PGA Golf Management we have had a great relationship with Ransomes Jacobsen for some time as their products were specified for the Riffa development in Bahrain.”
“Most importantly, they are a global player and are committed and concerned for the development of golf. Their network of professional dealers and distributors throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa will ensure that we have the best equipment to support our events and our managed courses.”
David Withers, managing director at Ransomes Jacobsen, added, “This is great news for Ransomes Jacobsen; we had some tough times in the late 90s but in recent years we have seen significant improvements in terms of customer satisfaction and market share as well as better volumes and profitability. This agreement is a mark of this progress and reflects the PGA’s confidence in us as a leading supplier to the golf sector. We look forward to working with the PGA and PGA Golf Management over the coming years.”
Textron Inc. is a $10 billion multi-industry company operating in 33 countries with approximately 37,000 employees in continuing operations. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Ransomes and Greenlee.
Textron Inc www.textron.com
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