Published on December 14, 2016

Singapore: Professional grinders may have changed little over the years. But Foley United’s introduction of a range of brand new, all-singing and all-dancing models that are already in use across Asia signals significant progress.
Recently, the top-of-the-range 653 fully automatic reel grinder and the 673 bed-knife grinder were installed at The Grove Golf Course, outside London, in time for the British Masters.
Supplied through the Foley United Importer for the UK, ProSport UK, Foley has declared that this machine represents the biggest advance in grinder technology in two decades.
Jim Letourneau, President and Chief Operating Officer of Foley United, a Full Business Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation, said: “The features that these machines bring to the marketplace are new and very unique.
“They make the process of grinding very simplistic, even when returning the reels to manufacturers’ specifications through the addition of relief grinding.
“The machines with the Accu-Touch 3 control also offer on-board training tutorial that steps a new user through the processes one step at a time, using graphics and animation to aid in the training and grinding process.
“Training videos are also available, recognising that training of new staff is a common need. The video breaks down the process into very small pieces making it very easy to follow and understand.”
Ian Robson, Managing Director of ProSport, said: “Foley presented its newest table-top spin, relief and ‘auto-index’ 653 AccuMaster and 633 AccuPro reel grinders and the new 673 bed-knife grinders this year and they have taken the American golf industry by storm.
“It’s the simplicity combined with the latest automation technology that is so innovative. Foley has retained the quality of build that has always been recognised by every greenkeeper, but now they have addressed the elements of speed, ease of use, continuity, and minimum operator input.

“These new units will automatically deliver a quick spin grind or return to the original equipment manufacturer specifications of full relief with more quality, efficiency, and productivity than ever seen before.”
For more than 80 years, Foley United has set the industry standard in designing and manufacturing sharpening equipment.
The brand of grinders the company sells to the golf and turf industry is one of the four product groups manufactured at its River Falls, Wisconsin facility – a building specifically designed and constructed for this purpose in 1992.