"Jacobsen is committed to supporting education at all levels, and by partnering with the most respected PGM program in the country, we are helping to ensure that the next leaders of the golf industry are well prepared to succeed and meet the challenges that lie ahead," said Dan Wilkinson, Jacobsen president.

More than 300 students are enrolled in the Methodist University PGM program, which continues to boast a 100 percent job placement for its graduates. Methodist graduates hold management positions at some of the nation's most prestigious courses, such as Pine Valley Golf Club in New Jersey, Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in New York, and the courses at Pebble Beach Resorts in California.

The program's required coursework covers everything from agronomy and tournament operations to accounting and club fitting, mandating that each graduating student earns a bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in professional golf management.

"When you look at the top golf clubs in the country, Methodist University is well represented, and this partnership with Jacobsen is going to help us take our program to another level," said Steven Dockery, golf course superintendent of the Methodist University Golf Course. "We want Jacobsen to have access to every part of our program so we can benefit from the knowledge of their people in addition to the use of their equipment in training the next generation of our industry's leaders to do things the right way."

Jacobsen will provide the Methodist University PGM program with greens mowers, fairway units, rough mowers and other turf equipment through local Jacobsen distributor Tri-State Pump and Controls. Jacobsen personnel will also serve as a resource for the university's educators and will work closely with Dockery and the maintenance staff at the Methodist University Golf Course to test new equipment and aid in the continued development of eco-friendly cultural and agronomy practices.

For more information on Jacobsen and the company's continual educational efforts, visit www.Jacobsen.com or call 1-888-922-TURF.

About Jacobsen
Jacobsen manufactures a full range of turf maintenance equipment and utility vehicles to meet the needs of today’s customers who manage and maintain golf courses, sports fields and municipal grounds. Jacobsen ensures every product performs to the standards of these top-level professionals by asking for and listening to their feedback throughout the product lifecycle, providing dedicated support and service training and conducting thorough testing for quality and reliability. The company markets Jacobsen brand products in the U.S. and internationally through an extensive independent distribution network and the Ransomes brand through independent distribution in Europe, Middle East and Africa. Jacobsen, headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is a Textron company. Additional information about the company, its products and commitment to customer support is available at www.Jacobsen.com.

About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a $13.2 billion multi-industry company operating in 34 countries with approximately 44,000 employees. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, defense and intelligence, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Fluid & Power, Textron Systems and Textron Financial Corporation. More information is available at www.textron.com.