Carnoustie signs up with TORO again

Carnoustie has signed a third, consecutive three-year course machinery deal with Toro, underlining its commitment to the company and its products. The new deal also saw some of Toro's latest turfcare equipment used to help prepare the course, which received wide praise, for this year's dramatic Open Championship.

"We like Toro, and everything they do for us," explains links superintendent John Philp. "The machinery performs superbly, it's reliable and we receive excellent service from Gammies. Under the new agreement we have taken delivery of some of Toro's latest machinery, and it's very impressive.

"The new Reelmaster 5410 fairway mowers are a great improvement on the previous model. We have four of these now. Their DPA cutting units stay on the cut for longer, and cutting height adjustment has been simplified. The operators like the controls as well as the seating position, as it gives better visibility.

"We've also fitted them with groomers, which lift up the grass before it's cut, giving an improved clipping rate. Overall it has been very well designed."

John is also impressed with the Flex 21 pedestrian greensmower. "Marvellous. We had some on loan for The Dunhill Cup for the last few years and now, at last, we have six of our own to play with!" Carnoustie also has four new Toro Workman 4000-D utility vehicles with cabs, four 3250-D ride-on greensmowers and 15 separate DPA cutting units.

John and his team also received vital support for The Open with a range of extra, tournament equipment through local dealer Gammies. "The Toro support fleet was invaluable in our preparations," John adds. "Their pedigree can't be argued with. Reliability of people and machinery is so important in my business, particularly when dealing with major championships."

Photo caption: John Philp, front centre, at Carnoustie with, left, Trevor Chard, Lely, Sandy Leys, of Gammies, and the greenkeeping team.