The R&A may have battled with the elements at The Open 2015, but despite this year’s unrelenting rain and wind, the aesthetics and playability of St Andrews Links’ historic Old Course received high praise from many of the Championship’s players.
The beautifully presented course, which provided a demanding yet unique test for the world’s very best golfers, was prepared using all-Toro irrigation and equipment, including greens, fairway and rough mowers, and utility vehicles.
Director of greenkeeping, Gordon Moir, says the Toro equipment allowed his 65-strong greenkeeping team to achieve the best possible conditions for what was the 29th time The Open took place at the world’s most famous Links.
Crews spent months preparing for the event with the help of Toro products from distributor Lely UK. And, following the concluding round in which Zach Johnson took the Champion Golfer of the Year title, it seems the hard work paid off.
“The R&A told us many players said the course was the best they’d ever seen it,” says Gordon.
A great testament to the equipment St Andrews Links has on board, Gordon adds: “All our Toros performed fantastically well prior to and throughout the tournament, giving us that reliably precise finish an event like The Open demands. Our Greensmaster TriFlex Hybrid 3420 mowers were a particular favourite, resulting in a superb cut and finish on the fairways.”
As well as a good result equipment-side, Gordon expresses his appreciation for the support received by both Toro and Lely: “We had a couple of Toro service engineers from Lely on hand throughout the tournament, who sharpened and handled machine maintenance. This support really was a huge help, taking some of the pressure off our own workshop staff.”
Toro also supplied St Andrews’ greenkeeping team with a brand new uniform especially for the championship.
“As our official supplier, Toro has provided mowing equipment to the course for 15 years, throughout which they’ve supported us through many an event. We’re very grateful for their continued support during The Open 2015, and the new uniform was a great addition, ensuring our greens team looked just as smart as the course!” Gordon adds.
Toro turf products are distributed throughout mainland UK by Lely Turfcare, 1 Station Road, St Neots PE19 1QH. Call 01480 226800, email turfcare.uk@lely.com or visit www.toro.com / www.lely.com for further details. And in Ireland by Lely Ireland Limited, Kilboggin, Nurney, Co. Kildare. Call 00 353 (0)45 526170 or email turfcaresales.ie@lely.com
St Andrews Links Trust www.standrews.com
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