Jacobsen, the Ipswich-based manufacturer of turf equipment, was an Official Supplier of The 2018 Ryder Cup at Le Golf National in Paris this September.
In addition to the course’s regular fleet of Jacobsen equipment, an additional 60 pieces of equipment were delivered to support The Ryder Cup. This machinery consisted of Eclipse 2 greens mowers, SLF530 fairway mowers, TR320 trim mowers AR-3 rotary mowers, Jacobsen Trucksters, Smithco Lite rollers and mower caddies.
Around 180 greenkeepers, most of which were volunteers, descended on Le Golf National to help prepare the course for golf’s biggest event. Led by Alejandro Reyes, Golf Courses and Estate Manager at Le Golf National, the team were split into groups and allocated specific jobs such as bunker raking, checking green speeds, fairway mowing, greens mowing and many more.
Jacobsen also provided the opportunity for five Future Turf Manager Initiative graduates to volunteer at The Ryder Cup. Speaking during The Ryder Cup, FTMI graduate John Reed, Assistant Greenkeeper at St. Andrews, said: “We’re getting up at 4.30 a.m., jumping on a bus at 5.00 a.m. and we’re in the sheds for about 5.30 a.m. where we’ll get a cup of coffee, and Alejandro will give a morning briefing. Following this is our team leader briefing. There are about seven teams on the course this week; four teams on hole set up, a fairway team, an approach team, and a practice area team. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. You just need to enjoy it because it’s over in a flash.”
Andre Andrade, International Golf Sales Director at Jacobsen, said: “The 2018 Ryder Cup was a huge success. The world witnessed one of the best-presented golf courses in the world, and for the staff at our factory in Ipswich who have been involved, it’s a huge privilege and a very proud moment.
“From supplying 60 extra machines for the golf course, to providing technical support to the greenkeeping team, we have all pulled together to make sure this tournament was a success. It’s safe to say Jacobsen, and Ipswich, have been a part of golfing history.”
Jacobsen has released a series of three videos, documenting the build-up to The Ryder Cup matches, and the competition itself in this latest video. You can watch all three videos, here:
Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwOtEm2t99Y