The European team captained by Alison Nicholas took time out from their preparations for the weekend’s Solheim Cup match with the US to have their photograph taken with two John Deere mowers in front of the stunning backdrop of tournament venue Killeen Castle.
The 2653B and 2500B triplex cylinder mowers are part of the extensive golf course maintenance fleet, including tournament support equipment, supplied to Killeen by local dealer Dublin Grass Machinery and John Deere, one of the event’s industry partners. The greens team led by course superintendent Mark Collins and assistant Robert Kane, alongside support staff from John Deere and the dealership, are using a full complement of machines to keep the fairways and greens in first class condition for this eagerly awaited contest.
The event is part of the Ladies European Tour, who are also supported by John Deere as the LET’s official supplier of golf course equipment and irrigation products. This partnership with the LET has underpinned the preparations for The 2011 Solheim Cup, the biggest tournament in women’s golf.
Based on a Jack Nicklaus design, the Killeen course’s toughest hurdles are its contouring and often severe undulations, which can make mowing quite tricky.
Because Mark and his team often need to change rollers and make adjustments as conditions dictate, they require machinery that can cope with such varying demands – a key criterion in the choice of supplier, says Mark: “John Deere machines are quick and easy to interchange and fit well into the set-up here. I also know we can call on Dublin Grass at a moment’s notice, if necessary, for any size of replacement part, which is invaluable.”
Mark Casey, director of operations for the LET and The Solheim Cup, also stresses the importance of having well-established partnerships with suppliers such as John Deere, who command a strong international credibility. “The LET has worked with John Deere for almost five years now – we needed a company who could support us in different markets across the world, and not be restricted with where and when machines could be supplied, and that is what John Deere delivers.
“We know the enduring strength of the John Deere brand is based on the quality of its products and customer service, and the LET and The Solheim Cup are proud to be associated with the company.”
Solheim Cup www.solheimcup.com
John Deere www.johndeere.com