All-electric ride-on power arrived in East Anglia for the first time last month when Sheringham Golf Club became the first club in the area to purchase Toro’s all-electric eTriFlex 3370 riding greensmower.
When ranked 75th in the 2022 National Club Golfer Top 100 Courses in England, the work undertaken each year isn’t just about maintaining the status quo, it’s about working hard to enhance the club in meaningful ways, according to course manager Ricky Goodman, and in 2022 sustainability is top of the agenda.
Currently in his fourth year at the Norfolk club, known for its unique ocean and steam train views, Goodman made his bid for new Toro machinery when he arrived, and the board supported the move once they understood all the benefits this change would bring to the club.
Goodman says: “I shared my plans and ideas for the course and how bringing Toro in, the quality of the machines and innovation of the brand would benefit the course and with finance through distributor Reesink available, I got their backing. Clubs in Norfolk, including this one, are known for using a specific brand of turfcare machinery and our club was ready to move on and set itself apart, all it needed was a little push.”
He adds: “We’re focusing on many sustainable initiatives this year and using lithium-ion battery-power for cutting our greens spearheads them all. The all-electric eTriFlex 3370 ticks so many boxes and solves many issues. There’s no noise pollution which means we can start mowing earlier without disturbing the residents we have bordering the back of the club and we no longer need to worry about oil spills on the greens, which causes incredible damage.”
In addition to this, Goodman says the club is using solar panels to create its own energy and is replacing plastic tees with biodegradable wooden ones instead. Irrigation is a top priority, both supply and storage given the recent draught and Goodman is looking into water storage and capture for irrigation for the paths and fairways, alongside construction works, including levelling tees that are 100 years old. Ricky is also cutting back on the nutrients in the greens to help preserve more sustainable species.
The Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370 is not the only Toro machine the club is investing in, also on order are a ProCore 648 aerator and Reelmaster 3575-D. The reason for further expanding the fleet is for the brand’s longevity and resale value as Goodman explains: “Toro machines can run for five to six years no trouble; they have a market leading resale value and whereas other brands would go off-cut very quickly with Toro it’s just a quick click and you’re back on it. Plus, I can take all units off quick release and back on in five minutes, other brands would take 30 minutes just to take them out so productivity with Toro is much improved.”
It’s certainly a decision that’s proved itself with Goodman’s seven-strong team, the members and board.
“The Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370 mower is the benchmark, the next level in turfcare machinery, and we couldn’t be happier with the difference we can see on the course,” concludes Goodman. “All-electric mowers are the talk of the industry, and discussion on their benefits has influenced other clubs to go green as well.
“We’ve had a lot of interest in ours – the local contractor mechanics have asked to borrow it for training, getting to know the machine and preparing for how the market will be progressing. It won’t be long before every golf course will want one.”