LaGrange, Georgia, United States and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Atlas Turf International and Golf Saudi have announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding to form a joint venture.

The companies intend to partner to develop turf farms in Saudi Arabia to meet the turfgrass needs of the nation’s extensive golf development programme.

Golf Saudi, a subsidiary of the Saudi Golf Federation, and Atlas Turf, a globally recognised leader in advanced turfgrasses, will join forces to localise turf production tailored towards providing environmentally sustainable, licensed and certified turfgrasses.

This initiative supports the overall goal of Golf Saudi to build a dynamic golf network attracting golf tourism and stimulating employment opportunities in the local golf industry.

“Part of our strategy entails building a robust supply chain framework in Saudi Arabia, bringing industry leaders together to expedite core aspects pertinent in delivering on our objectives and the national vision,” said Majed Al-Sorour, Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Golf Federation, an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

“Atlas Turf is one of the most respected organisations in the turfgrasses sector and will provide us the opportunity to monitor the development of our value chain and bring grass roots development into Saudi, evolving job prospects and allowing us influence to safeguard the output quality.”

Atlas Turf brings years of experience in the Gulf Region to the partnership. As a worldwide supplier of premium warm season, cool season, and native grasses, Atlas Turf provides turfgrass for golf courses, sports fields, landscaping and infrastructure projects.

Within the region, Atlas Turf has assisted in selecting and establishing optimal turfgrasses for more than 30 projects, including Royal Greens Golf and Country Club, located in Economic City, Saudi Arabia. Site of the European Tour’s Saudi International powered by SBIA, Royal Greens features Pure Dynasty Seeded Paspalum.

“Our involvement in golf projects in the region dates back many years,” said John Holmes, president of Atlas Turf International, a Full Business Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

“Partnering with Golf Saudi to further the development of the game is a natural progression of our mission to provide high quality, sustainable solutions for turfgrass projects worldwide. The ambition of Golf Saudi and its role in Saudi Arabia’s transformation is compelling.

“The organisation has excelled in integrating major partnerships to create a unified team capable of achieving its long-term and progressive golf vision. We are excited to partner with Golf Saudi to develop a state-of-the-art turf farm, ensuring turf solutions are tailored to the needs of each unique project.”