One continent, two huge events

Late September is eagerly awaited by golf enthusiasts worldwide as it brings two prestigious international tournaments, the Ryder Cup and the Solheim Cup, to the sports world. These events are not only battles of skill among the world's top golfers but are also showcases of impeccable course preparation. Both tournaments in 2023 will be hosted on courses counting on modern Toro equipment and irrigation practices to produce world-class playing conditions. Let's explore the meticulous preparations underway to ensure these tournaments deliver the ultimate golfing experience.

Ryder Cup: Marco Simone's journey from zero to glory

At Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy, superintendent Lara Arias and her team have been on a remarkable journey of transformation. Arriving in 2020, Arias took charge as the course underwent a full redesign. "We started from zero," she says, emphasizing the colossal task ahead.

Three years of persistent effort culminated in the realization of the Ryder Cup coming to Marco Simone. The course's journey included hosting three consecutive Italian Opens from 2021-23, providing invaluable experience in managing a tournament on an international scale.

As Europe struggles with drought, water management becomes vital. Arias trusts Marco Simone’s state-of-the-art irrigation system and sprinkler heads to ensure world-class playing conditions.

One of the challenges faced by Marco Simone during the Ryder Cup includes the logistics of daily course preparations amidst 45,000 spectators. To address this, Arias is collaborating with local distributor Pratoverde to equip Marco Simone with an extensive array of dependable equipment and cutting-edge technology. The approach aims to enhance the crew's efficiency, particularly during the ongoing tournament, ensuring that the course remains in optimal condition.

Arias and her 20 greenkeepers will receive support from 100 volunteer greenkeepers during the tournament week. The influx of personnel and equipment makes certain that daily operations run smoothly, adhering to strict timelines.

In addition, Arias understands the importance of efficient management during the Ryder Cup. To ensure seamless operations throughout the tournament, a comprehensive management system will be put in place. This system will serve as the backbone for coordinating all course preparation activities, including equipment deployment, task assignment and real-time communication among the team.

As the Ryder Cup approaches, Marco Simone's journey from zero to glory nears its completion. Arias sums up her sentiments, saying, "For me, it's going to be very emotional because the team is going to make it. A team that started from zero ... I'm super proud of the team."

Solheim Cup: Sustainability met precision at Finca Cortesín

Ignacio Soto, superintendent of Finca Cortesín Golf Club in Andalucía, Spain, is no stranger to the demands of course preparation. But Spain's hosting of the Solheim Cup for the first time brought added challenges, primarily centered around water conservation and its Toro irrigation system. “By using the Lynx system, we can control every sprinkle one by one,” Soto says. “Because every drop counts at Finca Cortesín.”

With Spain and several other parts of Europe facing severe drought, Soto’s top priority was responsible water management. To achieve this, Finca Cortesín turned to an advanced irrigation system and precise sprinkler heads for accurate and efficient watering. To further conserve water, the course uses recycled water, sustaining its Bermudagrass, including the greens. Bermudagrass on greens is well-suited to warm, dry regions, helping to minimize the demand for water.

In addition, to prepare for the Solheim Cup, the course made small adjustments to maintenance schedules, such as lowering the cutting heads on mowers and scheduling a three-week closure in June for aeration and fresh growth.

The team at Finca Cortesín includes 20 to 22 employees and several seasonal interns, ensuring the course is always tournament ready. During the Solheim Cup week, they received support from 40 volunteer greenkeepers from various European courses. Crews used a variety of equipment to prep the course, including walk-behind greens mowers and electric riding greens mowers.

Soto is keen on battery-powered equipment as it aligns with the course’s commitment to environmental sustainability. The lithium-ion battery technology reduces noise and engine exhaust emissions and provides an exceptional quality of cut. Using electric mowers reduces noise, enhancing the ambience for their guests.

The local Toro distributor, Riversa, ensures ongoing support and service for the course's Toro equipment and irrigation before, during and after the Solheim Cup. In a tournament of this magnitude, the ability to trust and rely on equipment was paramount.

Elevating the Golfing Experience

The Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup exemplify the industry's superb standards and unwavering dedication to delivering excellence. These courses showcase a commitment to enhancing the golfing experience for both players and fans through sustainable water management and precision equipment. The industry community demonstrated confidence in the stage being prepared for exceptional golfing experiences, thanks to the advantage offered by these initiatives.