Channels Golf Club in Chelmsford, Essex, has brought in new Toro turf equipment for the first time as expansion plans for the construction of an additional 18 holes get underway. 

Ray Clarke, left, with Sara Stubbings and Lely’s Richard Freeman.

The magnificent course, boasting some of the finest greens in the county, is superbly managed by course manager Ray Clarke, who hopes Toro will not only keep his current course in peak condition, but be ready to employ on the new holes set to take shape in the near future. 

Commenting on Channels Golf Club’s future, Ray says: “We have big plans for the future and have invested in Toro to help make those plans a reality. We’ve decided to take a new approach to our machinery fleet and have opted to lease our machines this time. 

“We are going to have so much work to do at the club over the next few years and wanted to know we have on-site maintenance at the drop of a hat. It provides a welcome level of confidence to know everything will be taken care of should a problem occur and will allow us to concentrate on the design and build of the new course, plus the maintenance of the existing course.” 

The club’s selection of new Toro equipment comprises two Groundsmaster rotaries – a 4000-D and 3500-D – together with a Reelmaster 5510-D, Greensmaster 3250-D for tees mowing and a Sand Pro 3040 bunker rake. Having had time to put them through their paces, Ray and his team of six greenkeepers rate the machines as the “best for quality”. 

Ray singles out his Sand Pro 3040 for special praise. With its rear rake, and mid weeder bar, the unit delivers picture-perfect grooming in all sorts of bunkers. 

“This is a fantastic bit of kit. It’s brilliant for grooming and the rake gives a lovely finish,” says Ray. “That said, all the machines give a lovely finish! Overall, we’re achieving a much better-looking job using Toro.”

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