Doha, Qatar: A major investment in John Deere golf course maintenance equipment has been made by the Education City Golf Club, which is due to open at the end of October. The machinery will be used on three courses, with a total of 33 holes spread across 120 hectares.
Education City Golf Club is a landmark project for Qatar and the world of golf, offering a revolutionary and holistic approach to growing the game of golf.
The facility features three golf courses including an 18-hole championship course, a floodlit six-hole championship course and a floodlit nine-hole par-three course, all designed by two-time US Masters winner and 2012 Ryder Cup winning captain Jose Maria Olazabal. It also comprises a range of short game formats, a state-of-the-art learning and practice facility housed in the Centre of Excellence and a TrackMan driving range.
Uniquely, the six-hole course has seven tee options per hole for quick and multi-generational golf, as part of the club’s role in supporting the game’s development and encouraging its growth in the region. The golf courses are serviced by a clubhouse and academy building, which will both offer all-day dining options.
Surrounding the clubhouse are large gardens where a number of lawn sports will also be available, including footgolf, frisbee golf and croquet.
The facility will be maintained by Golf Course Superintendent Darren Smith and Deputy Superintendent Andrew Ikstrums.
An initial fleet of 93 John Deere machines, including tractors, greens, fairway and rough mowers and Gator utility vehicles, has been delivered by Qatar dealer Progressive, along with other ancillary equipment including sprayers, top dressers and aerators.
The choice of John Deere as preferred supplier to Education City Golf Club was made on Smith’s recommendation, following an intensive examination of the equipment’s technical and environmental features.
In line with the club’s sustainability vision, John Deere, an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation, was considered a perfect match due to the hybrid electric technology used on over 90 per cent of the mowing fleet.
These mowers feature proven E-Cut Quick Adjust (QA) cutting units driven by electric reel motors that support energy efficiency, reduced fuel consumption and lower sound levels. In addition, 102 potential hydraulic leak points are removed from the equation due to the use of electric drives in the reel circuits. Precision and quality were also key considerations in the decision-making process, as Education City aims to present a premium experience to its members and guests.
Seif Al Ghaly, Managing Director of Progressive, John Deere’s official supplier in Qatar, said: “As the exclusive dealer for John Deere agriculture and turf equipment in the region, Progressive Trading is proud and honoured to supply Education City Golf Club for the first time with our largest ever fleet of golf and utility equipment, to cater for the maintenance of this prestigious project.
“We are committed to providing first class products and service from our well trained and dedicated team of employees, with the full support, back-up and experience of the international John Deere business.”
Michael Braidwood, Education City Golf Club’s General Manager, added: “Our core product is the golf course and therefore it must be presented in immaculate condition. The equipment has been carefully selected to ensure an excellent guest and member experience.
“John Deere products are aligned to our vision in sustainability and to supporting our environmental initiatives in reducing fuel and waste. Furthermore, John Deere invests worldwide in education and training, which is another of our core values, and we look forward to a successful long-term partnership with the company.”