High Legh Park Golf Club, near Knutsford, Cheshire, has invested close to £214,000 in Toro as part of plans to take the club to the next level.

The privately-owned club's eight-piece order comprises a Groundsmaster 4500-D; a Reelmaster 5510-D and 3100-D sidewinder; two Greensmaster 3250-Ds and three Greensmaster 1000 pedestrian mowers.


Club owner Andrew Vaughan (centre), with course manager Matt Shimwell (right) and Peter McGreevy from Cheshire Turf Machinery

Having previously used a competitor brand, the move to Toro was rooted in the advice and experience of course manager Matt Shimwell.

"I worked at the US Masters at Augusta and the 2007 US Open as part of the Ohio State Intern Program. While there, I gained extensive experience working with many market-leading brands, but found Toro to be the best of the best," explains Matt.

When owner Andrew Vaughn identified a need to upgrade the club's fleet, he liaised with Matt and, following trials, went with Matt's recommendation.

Owner Andrew purchased High Legh back in January 2011 in what Matt describes as a "bad state", with the intention of transforming it into a high-quality course. Since then, he has invested a significant sum of money into it, including the creation of a new driving range, due to open shortly.

"This new fleet will be vital in maintaining the turf of new features such as our driving range and support the goal of becoming one of the best courses in Cheshire," says Matt.

Matt adds that the club's local Toro dealers, Cheshire Turf Machinery, have also proved to be a great selling point. "They're close by, so are really conveniently located for parts, which they always have in stock.

"I've also known Peter Mcgreevy, Cheshire Turf Machinery Sales Director, for some years; he helps any way he can, has great advice and is always available."