John Deere Limited has joined the UK Golf Course Owners Association (UKGCOA) as a Diamond Corporate Partner, as of January 2012.
With an administrative base at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire, the UKGCOA was set up in 2010 to promote, develop and represent the interests of golf course owners in theUnited Kingdomand act as a forum for the exchange of ideas and experiences.
“About a third of all golf courses in theUKare proprietary owned and operated,” said UKGCOA executive director Jerry Kilby at BTME 2012 inHarrogate, when the new partnership was announced. “We believe that an active and vibrant owners association can play an important role in the growth of the game of golf and the development of individual golf businesses, while also having a more effective voice in the wider golf industry.
“We are therefore delighted to welcome John Deere, one of the industry’s main players, as one of our valued corporate partners.”
John Deere Limited turf division sales manager Joedy Ibbotson added: “We are very pleased to join the UKGCOA, and look forward to working together to support the Association’s key objectives. Proprietary owners and managers represent a significant part of theUKgolf market, and this new partnership underlines our commitment to this important sector of the business.”
The UKGCOA and OGRO (Organisation of Golf & Range Operators) will be jointly hosting GolfBIC 2012 (Golf Business & Industry Convention) at the Marriott Forest of Arden on 29 and 30 March, in association with the British Golf Industry Association (BGIA). This annual conference brings together golf course and range owners and operators from across the country with major suppliers and manufacturers, including John Deere, to share best practices and industry experience.
Golf facilities that are owned by individuals, families, landowners, municipal authorities, syndicates or club members, however large or small, are all welcome to apply for membership of the UKGCOA – for further details call the Association on 024 7641 4999, or visit the website at www.ukgcoa.com
John Deere Limited www.JohnDeere.com