Follow Lincolnshire’s east coast at the south end of Skegness and you’ll find Seacroft, a traditional links golf course. Adjacent to the coast it has an out and back layout and sits alongside the Gibralter Point Nature Reserve with its glorious views over the Wash to the Norfolk coast.
The championship course plays host to many amateur championships and is highly regarded, featuring in the UK’s top 100 list. Tight, undulating and hogsback fairways with blind or semi-blind shots, seventy five bunkers and excellent greens prove a test for experienced golfers but it is still accessible for newcomers. The area is an English Nature Site of Special Scientific Interest with golf and the environment joined together in harmony. Recently, the club took delivery of a new Polaris Ranger Diesel UTV. Head Greenkeeper for ten years at the club, Tim Harris, was looking for an all-purpose vehicle for his team of four to use generally around the course. Chosen after demonstration of several competitor vehicles the Polaris, it was decided, best fitted their criteria.
“We wanted a UTV with a bench seat, and easy access, especially for the winter, so we only need the one vehicle. Price was important and the Polaris was competitive in that respect.” Tim says, “We’re happy with the way it’s set out and it has a tipping cargo box which is important. We’re carrying brushcutters, hole changing kits and in winter we’ll be carting turf, soil, sand and aggregate, anything that’s needed for maintenance and repairs.” Other key features noted are the power steering, the alarm on the handbrake, plenty of cubby holes for storage and of course being diesel it can be run on red diesel with greater economy for the club.
“We also like the Polaris VersaTrac Turf Mode, with one, two or four-wheel drive which helps prevent scuffing. We have worked with Polaris’ District Manager Steve Canner on this and had non-standard tyres fitted, which are an improvement and more suited to use on the course.”
Impressed as well with the towing ability, Tim says everybody is happy with the Ranger Diesel and out of the vehicles on the course it’s the first machine people go for.
Seacroft Golf Club www.seacroft-golfclub.co.uk
Polaris Britain www.polaris-britain.com