Magazine - Iain Ritchie joins TORO irrigation team

By Lesley Walker in Industry on 22nd Feb 2007 15:00

One of the best-known faces in Irish golf course management - Iain Ritchie, previously links superintendent at Portmarnock Golf Club - has joined the Toro Irrigation team as sales executive for the whole of Ireland.

"After 17 years at Portmarnock I decided to make a change in my career," explains Iain. "When I saw Toro distributor Lely Ireland was advertising for an irrigation sales executive, I knew the time was right to make the move and approached them to offer my services. I have been a Toro irrigation and machinery user for 10 years and always found the equipment and service superb, so I was keen to get on board to expand the Toro business further.

During his career at Portmarnock, Iain prepared the course for many prestigious competitions, including two Irish Opens, the Walker Cup, the Irish Amateur Championship, the European Team Championship and Boys Home International. Iain is also a past president of the GCSAI, and is currently on the board of both the GCSAI and FEGGA.

"This is an exciting challenge for me," continues Iain. "There is a great deal of new golf course construction going on in Ireland and I am confident that I can really develop this business for Toro. Lely has made me more than welcome and I immediately felt part of the team."

Lely Ireland general manger Richard Harris says: "We are delighted Iain approached us, and we didn't hesitate to appoint him. He is a well-respected figure in the golf industry and has built up many contacts over the years. We are confident that with his input we can really boost Toro irrigation sales in Ireland."

Read more articles in Industry, by Lesley Walker or from February 2007.