Toro's quality shines through in deal with Celtic Manor Resort

GreensPro 1200 is the newest addition to the greenkeeping armo

WHEN Jim McKenzie moved from Wentworth to Celtic Manor Resort in South Wales, he was closely involved with the in-house construction of the respected Roman Road golf course.

And when it came to finding a reliable supplier of hired-in equipment, Toro supplier Chris Hopkins, from Newport-based Ted Hopkins, headed the list.

EQUIPMENT

“I got on well with Chris,” says McKenzie. “We needed a great deal of equipment to construct the course, while our second course was opened for play. We used all Toro mowing equipment at the time, too, this being supplied by a dealer based in Carmarthen. Chris Hopkins subsequently took over the Toro franchise and we have been working with him and his team ever since.”

As a high-profile resort that now has three 18-hole courses, Celtic Manor is never short of offers from manufacturers to try different equipment.

He added: “We are in a ‘people’ business. We are keenly aware that golfers have access to some really good clubs and golf courses locally. We cannot simply rely upon the reputation of our courses to attract players and tournaments. We have to work hard to deliver a complete and positive experience of playing at Celtic Manor.

“Similarly, Chris Hopkins and Lely do not just assume we will continue to work with them. They have built a really good working relationship that they work hard to maintain. The support offered by both when we hosted the 2010 Ryder Cup helped demonstrate their commitment.”

 

GREAT RELATIONSHIP The greenkeeping team at Celtic Manor Resort have built up a partnership with Toro supplier Chris Hopkins

 

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