The Latest Jacobsen Hybrid Greens Mower for Oswestry Golf Club

May 31, 2011

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. Ransomes Jacobsen is a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company.

Oswestry Golf Club’s head greenkeeper Gareth Woosnam (right) and deputy head Gary Barnfield are delighted with the new Jacobsen Eclipse 322

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.”

About Jacobsen
With nearly 90 years of experience in the turf maintenance industry, Jacobsen has built a legacy of precision craftsmanship, legendary quality of cut and unmatched expertise. Dedicated solely to delivering perfectly groomed turf, Jacobsen equipment is used on some of the finest golf courses, sports fields and other formal turf areas across the United States and the world, through an extensive distribution network and the international Ransomes brand. Additional information about the company can be found at www.jacobsen.com.

About Textron
Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.

For further information, please contact:

Peter Driver
Jacobsen
+44 1473 276386