The Far East is ‘Fair Game’ says Tim Merrell and John Coleman

The China Golf Show was held from March 22nd-24th at the China National Convention Centre in Beijing. The Grass Group's MD Tim Merrell (left), together with John Coleman (right) MD of Advanced Turf Technology, took space at the show to demonstrate the new ATT INFiNiSystem™ alongside the well-established ATT TMSystem.

Whilst exhibiting at the San Diego show, with Chinese greenkeepers and importers on the ATT stand, it became clear to Tim that the Asian market was worth pursuing. "The opportunity to exhibit at the next Chinese golf show in Beijing seemed too good to miss," he commented.

"It is the only event endorsed by the China Golf Association; the PGA World Alliance; the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA); the Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA); the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) and other leading associations."

Whilst the paperwork needed to attend was prodigious, the opportunity to get some sterling back for high quality Sheffield made UK products spurred Tim and John on! Although they didn't expect to be the only English exhibitors.

As with the rest of the world, the Chinese seemed to love a quality product and everybody was highly complementary. Tim again: "John and I became old hands at swapping the battery and engine generator over on the INFiNiSystem™, like an F1 pit crew in fact, and everyone was amazed. We had greenkeepers and interested dealers from both large and small Chinese companies."

John was surprised at the number of dealers they saw from other Countries. "To name just a few we saw visitors from the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, Indonesia and even one from East Sussex!" He expanded, "A typical conversation would be like the one we had with a dealer from South Korea, 'I've just been speaking to one of my clients and he's told me that I have to be an INFiNiSystem dealer as it's the best thing he's seen at the show'.

The two intrepid explorers were helped by Daisy, a Chinese Interpreter, who rapidly got into the swing of highlighting the advantages of the interchangeable cassettes; the cost savings; the first class English build quality etc.

The Grass Group, Wadebridge Farm, Landwade, Exning, Newmarket Suffolk CB8 7NE UK

Tel: +44 (0) 1638 720123 - Fax: +44 (0) 1638 720128 - www.thegrassgroup.com