Articulated rotary mower transforms the rough at Eaton Golf Club

Articulated rotary mower transforms the rough at Eaton Golf Club

Described throughout East Anglia as 'the hidden gem,' Eaton Golf Club is situated just 1½ miles from Norwich city centre in 108 acres of heath and parkland adjacent to the river Yare.

At the beginning of the 2004 season, head greenkeeper Mick Lathrope and his team took delivery of a Jacobsen AR250 articulated rotary mower and a Fairway 305 from local Ransomes Jacobsen dealer, Bartrams Mowers. Bartram's are a long established grounds care dealer and have been supplying equipment to Mick Lathrope for 10 of his 32 years at the club.

"This AR250 is a superb piece of kit," he said. "It's really transformed the rough here at Eaton. It follows the ground contours and can even leave a striping effect on the rough. The members have commented on the improvement. The other machine, the 305 has performed particularly well and always leaves the fairways looking immaculate. Bartram's service has been excellent and the full service and maintenance contract that we have with them is superb."

The greenkeeping team of five must be one of the most experienced in Norfolk; they have 116 years of industry knowledge between them, most of it gained at Eaton. The greenkeeping team and the club has embraced the STRI's environmental programme and are actively encouraging the regeneration of gorse as well as planting over 3,000 trees.

"We're really proud of our 'little gem' status," Mick added. "Everyone assumes Norfolk is flat, but being adjacent to the Yare valley, we have an undulating course and one that is playable almost every day of the year."