Charlotte, N.C. - November 5, 2012 - Although Jacobsen, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) Company, is well-known for its line of professional turf equipment, some may not know how committed the company is to growing the game of golf.
"We've always known that turf equipment demand is intrinsically connected to rounds played," said Chris Vernon, Vice President of Marketing and Product Management for Jacobsen. "That relationship was very apparent earlier this year during the early spring we experienced across the U.S. As golfers flocked to the links, we saw a surge in demand for turf equipment."
As stewards of the game, Jacobsen is helping grow the game through donations of time, resources and professional turf equipment.
At its headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, Jacobsen sent over 100 employees through the PGA's Get Golf Ready, an innovative program that jump starts new players into the game. Many Jacobsen employees were also on hand this summer at Carolinas Family Golf Day, a PGA of America event designed to engage families in a fun day of golf programs and clinics.
Jacobsen employee Brian Hajas and his family participated in both events. "As new golfers, these programs were a great introduction to the game for us," said Hajas. "The events were fun, informative and very welcoming."
Del Ratcliffe, Charlotte-based PGA of America member and President of Ratcliffe Golf Services, has seen Jacobsen's commitment firsthand in his hometown, "Through various PGA of America programs, Jacobsen is helping grow the game at the grassroots level in Charlotte and across the U.S.," said Ratcliffe. "Support from large organizations like Jacobsen is great for the game because it really does make a difference. Golfers are created one player at a time, and efforts such as Jacobsen's commitment to our Get Golf Ready programs tend to resonate far out into the community."
Jacobsen is also growing the game through its support of The First Tee program, an international youth development organization that introduces the game of golf and its inherent values to young people. Jacobsen recently donated several pieces of professional turf equipment to its hometown chapter in Charlotte, North Carolina.
"Partners like Jacobsen help us enrich the lives of young people here in Charlotte," said Ike Grainger, Interim Executive Director of The First Tee Charlotte. "And the quality equipment they donate helps keep our home course in great shape."
The turf equipment manufacturer also recently made a significant donation to Golf 2.0, a targeted, focused long-range strategic plan of the PGA of America to increase the number of golfers, the rounds of golf played, and the revenue generated from golf over the next decade.
"At Jacobsen, we see ourselves as stewards of the game," said David Withers, President of Jacobsen. "Working with organizations like the PGA of America gives us the opportunity to help grow the game of golf and ensure the success of our industry. It's actually very simple: when more people play golf, we all win."
About Jacobsen
With over 90 years of experience in the turf maintenance industry, Jacobsen has built a legacy of precision craftsmanship, legendary quality of cut and unmatched expertise. Dedicated solely to delivering perfectly groomed turf, Jacobsen equipment is used on some of the finest formal turf areas across the United States and the world, through an extensive distribution network and the international Ransomes brand. Additional information about the company can be found at www.jacobsen.com.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defence, 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, and Textron Systems. For more information visit: www.textron.com.
For further information please contact:
Adam C. Slick, Public Relations & Communications Manager, Jacobsen
11108 Quality Drive, Charlotte, NC 28273
Tel: 704.504.4867
Email: aslick@textron.com
