Toro’s 2015 Turf Masters Forum Addresses Best Practices in Turf Management

Event held in New Zealand’s Queenstown brings knowledge and product demonstration to APAC superintendents

The stunning scenery of the Queenstown region provided the perfect backdrop for the 5th Annual Australian Toro Turf Masters Forum, which was held from 21-24 April.

The Turf Masters Forum enables superintendents from Australia, New Zealand and Asia to come together to discuss best practices and the challenges of turf management in the golf industry. It also gives participants the chance to network with other superintendents from courses of all sizes and discuss everything 'turf'. Additionally, attendees get product training on Toro equipment and irrigation products, and are able to try out a whole lineup of new machinery.

Here are a few comments from those who have attended the Forum:

Richard Forsyth, Course Superintendent at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Victoria, said: “I experienced wonderful hospitality, great networking, new product knowledge and sensational golf courses. The opportunity to view and discuss some of the new products now available, and others in development, was educational. To see the three golf courses in the area, and discuss the management practices of bent grass and fescue, was a highlight for me. Thank you all for a memorable experience.”

According to Steve Marsden, Course Superintendent at the Royal Sydney Golf Club in NSW, the event provided great insight into what Toro is working on. “As an end-user, this is very exciting. It is great to see companies investing in product development that is signalled by the end user, and events like this obviously help facilitate this. There is no doubt about the commitment Toro has to our industry. Creating an event like this that brings turf managers together to provide feedback on product development is beneficial to both parties. This commitment is carried out in an extremely professional manner, much like the equipment itself.”

Adam Lamb, Course Superintendent at The Barwon Heads Golf Club in Victoria, agreed. ”I think it is great that Toro supports the industry so well, and gives so many superintendents the opportunity to develop a better understanding of the machinery and irrigation products, and be involved with future developments.”

Ben Telley, General Manager from Eastern Golf Club in Victoria, provided an interesting and very useful insight into a general manager's perspective on how superintendents can best present to their Club's management and board.

The Forum also included the Turf Masters golf tournament, which was held at the Millbrook Country Club, host to the 2015 New Zealand Open, along with Jack's Point Championship Golf Course on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Congratulations to Wayne Hensley from Terrigal Memorial Golf Club (NSW), winner of the Toro Turf Masters Cup.