Celtic Manor cements relationship with TORO

World-class golf and leisure destination, The Celtic Manor Resort, has cemented its long-standing relationship with Toro by signing its first partnership deal with the company for both course machinery and irrigation.

Director of golf courses and estates management Jim McKenzie said: "We have had an informal agreement with Toro since 1993, which has been underpinned by the quality of their machinery and support. Signing an official partnership agreement is a step forward and the next stage in our relationship.

"This five-year deal will enable us to plan the needs of our courses and other areas of the estate far in advance. We hold the Wales Open here every year, and of course there's the Ryder Cup to prepare for in 2010 - the biggest event that Wales will probably ever see. Continuing our association with a market leader like Toro is also very important for us. Support is key, too, and we have a very close relationship with our local dealer Ted Hopkins, who provide us with superb service."

Bob Buckingham, Toro's director of distributor and new business development, commented: "We are delighted to have formalised our long-standing relationship with Celtic Manor. The mutual agreement has been achieved through our commitment to provide the venue with the highest standard of products and support. Our aim is to continue this through to the Ryder Cup in 2010 and for many more years to come."

Photo caption: Front: Mark Colcomb, right, vice president of finance and support, and Toro's Bob Buckingham. Back, left to right: Trevor Chard, Lely; Andrew Brown, Toro; Graham Dale, Lely; Russell Phillips, vice president of facilities and development; and Jim McKenzie.