John Deere Limited has renewed its membership of the UK Golf Course Owners Association (UKGCOA) as a Diamond Corporate Partner, a year on from their initial partnership announcement at BTME 2012 in Harrogate.

“The UKGCOA is delighted that John Deere has renewed its commitment to support the continued development of the association, as we grow towards our 200th member golf course in early 2013,” said UKGCOA executive director Jerry Kilby. “For the UKGCOA to have one of the premier brands in golf course maintenance equipment as a corporate partner is a wonderful accolade and endorsement of the association, and of the work we undertake on behalf of the proprietary sector of golf course management in the UK.”

The UKGCOA was set up in 2010 to promote, develop and represent the interests of golf course owners in the United Kingdom and act as a forum for the exchange of ideas and experiences. “About a third of all golf courses in the UK are proprietary owned and operated,” said Jerry Kilby. “We strongly believe that our association can and should play an important role in the growth of the game of golf and the development of individual golf businesses, while also having a more effective voice in the wider golf industry.”

John Deere Limited turf division sales manager Joedy Ibbotson added: “We are very pleased with the excellent relationship we have established with the UKGCOA since joining last year. John Deere is fully committed to working together with Jerry Kilby and the association’s new general manager James Cameron to support their key objectives in this important sector of the UK golf market.”