Peter Driver, Ransomes Jacobsen's long-serving Public Relations Manager, has won an international writing award from the Turf and Ornamental Communicators Association (TOCA), a US-based professional body composed of editors, writers and publishers involved in 'green industry' communications.

From the 27 entries submitted in the international category of the 2015 contest he won Best Writing (article or editorial) for a feature entitled 'As Nature Intended'. This significant editorial article was an in-depth look at Askernish, a lost golf course in the Outer Hebrides that was rediscovered back in 2006, and was published in Pitchcare magazine last year.


Peter Driver (left) receives his TOCA award from Ransomes Jacobsen's Managing Director Alan Prickett

Peter has been associated with Ransomes Jacobsen, the Ipswich-based manufacturer of commercial mowing equipment for golf courses and local authorities, for over 20 years; initially as a consultant, then joining the company in 2007.

Commenting on his award he said, "I feel highly honoured to receive this award as the judging panel is comprised of my peer group, so it's editors and journalists acknowledging that my writing is of an acceptable standard. I am very fortunate that my job allows me to visit some of the most spectacular places and countries around the world and then have the opportunity to write about my experiences.

"This particular assignment was fascinating; a golf course consultant heard a rumour that an Old Tom Morris golf course was hidden away on the remote island in the Outer Hebrides and he set out to see if it was true and to restore it, if at all possible. Our company became involved and donated equipment to help the islanders maintain the course in its 'natural' state and I was lucky enough to visit and write about it."

Alan Prickett, Managing Director of Ransomes Jacobsen added, "Peter has worked tirelessly over the years to promote our business and to spread good news about our successes and notable events, along with those of our worldwide dealer network. We have always appreciated the quality of his work, but it's absolutely terrific to see a prestigious organisation like TOCA recognising it too. The award is well-deserved and we are all delighted for him."