The prestigious Mount Juliet Golf Course in Kilkenny, Ireland, has welcomed a fleet of new Toro machines in a move that they say has  brought magnificence back to its course, grounds and gardens.

Designed by Jack Nicklaus, Mount Juliet is widely regarded as being home to the leading championship parkland layout in Ireland. Set across the 492 acres of the Mount Juliet Estate, the 'Nicklaus Signature' course has hosted three Irish Opens and two American Express World Golf Championships.


L-R: Pat O'Reilly, estate manager and Martin Lehane, deputy estate manager

Purchased by Tetrarch Capital in 2015 as part of wider plans to invest in their golf courses and hotels across Ireland,the firm were keen to raise standards in order to continue attracting major tournaments and return the course to a playing condition that reflects its status as the number one parkland course in Ireland.

Every aspect of the Estate was reviewed for improvements, and Tetrarch identified an immediate need to replace the fleet of equipment maintaining the course and grounds.
Following a competitive tendering process, Tetrarch chose Lely to provide a new Toro fleet valued at over €800,000.

The latest advances in golf equipment, including hybrid greens mowers, are now being used to present the course. Dedicated rolling has been reintroduced to increase green speeds, providing constant tournament standard presentation. Every aspect of course presentation was looked at, with the fleet comprising over 20 individual pieces of equipment, including the latest fairway, trim and rough mowers, sprayer, sand dressers, tractors and utility vehicles.

As well as the new equipment, improvement plans also included setting up a new Estate Management Department, which sees Pat O'Reilly, estate manager and Martin Lehane, deputy estate manager, take care of a 30-strong team tending the golf course, gardens and abundance of natural landscape.

Pat said, "Like with any aging fleet, the time, energy and expense involved in their upkeep had become excessive. With the newer and more modern equipment, it's not only efficient and reliable, but the overall presentation of the course has been greatly enhanced."

Primarily bought for the golf course, the equipment is also being used across the Estate, which as well the grounds, gardens and residential area, also includes seven hectares of horse paddocks, tennis courts, trail and walkways.