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By Peter Driver in Golf on 3rd Jun 2011 14:00
Gareth Woosnam, head greenkeeper at Oswestry Golf Club, is another fine turf professional who has appreciated the benefits of the innovative hybrid greens mower from Jacobsen, the Eclipse 322. This latest diesel-electric hybrid machine was ordered from local Ransomes Jacobsen dealer, John Osman Groundcare, located close to the 700 member club.
Gareth Woosnam is the brother of Ian, the Welsh golfing legend who captained Europe to victory in the 2006 Ryder Cup, with a 18½-9½ victory over the U.S.A. He joined Oswestry Golf Club on a YTS scheme 26 years ago and has been head greenkeeper for the past six years. He leads a team of four full-time and two part-time staff and is responsible for the 18-hole, 6,051 yard, par 70 parkland course, originally designed in 1932 by James Braid.
"I really like the fact that there are no hydraulics on this mower," he said. "Standard greens mowers use large diesel engines and complicated hydraulic systems to drive the wheels and cutting cylinders and if a leak occurs, it can do immense damage to the green. With the Eclipse 322 this can't happen. I also like the quality of cut from the Jacobsen cylinders and the swing-out centre cutting unit, which makes it easy to get to for adjustment and maintenance.
"I first saw the mower, when it was launched at BTME in Harrogate last year and I was subsequently contacted John Osman Groundcare, who organised for the Ransomes Jacobsen demonstration team to bring the unit here. It was an impressive demonstration and we then had it for a two-day loan spell in October. That sealed it in my mind and we subsequently placed the order."
Deputy head greenkeper Gary Barnfield added, "Members' expectations have risen and, as we are small team, we need the equipment that really performs and helps us meet those expectations. The Eclipse 322 meets that criteria and is great mower."
For more information on Ransomes Jacobsen products visit: www.ransomesjacobsen.com
Read more articles in Golf, by Peter Driver or from June 2011.
