Ipswich, England - August 25, 2009 - Eleanor Tindall (14) and Owen Clouting (14) are the inaugural winners of the Ransomes Jacobsen Junior Golf Award organised by the Suffolk County Golf Partnership to recognise outstanding achievements by junior golfers in Suffolk over the past 12 months. Ransomes Jacobsen is a Textron Inc (NYSE:TXT) company.
The awards focus on those young people, who may not necessarily be the best junior golfers at their club, but who deserve special recognition for their all round contribution.
Colin Firmin, Chairman of the Suffolk County Golf Partnership, speaking at the award ceremony, held in brilliant sunshine on the three-hole golf course at the head office of sponsors, Ransomes Jacobsen, said, “We were thrilled to receive an impressive number of nominations from clubs and organisations across the county. It was a considerable task for the selection panel to decide which girl and boy would be presented with an award, but Eleanor and Owen are truly outstanding recipients of the Ransomes Jacobsen award.”
Ipswich High School student Eleanor, who lives in Stratford St Mary and is a member at Stowmarket Golf Club, was nominated by the Suffolk Ladies County Golfing Association Junior Committee, who stated, “She is a stalwart of the Girls’ County 2nd team. A sensible, thoughtful and intelligent girl, she is entirely reliable and always correctly turned out. She has a calm and sympathetic manner, which belies her years and that makes her an ideal partner for younger, less experienced players. She is an excellent role model and never seeks the limelight for herself.”
Owen, who lives in Combs and attends Stowmarket High School, was nominated by the Stowmarket Golf Centre. He has been playing golf for just three years, but has struggled against adversity to become a 17 handicapper. His nomination stated, “Owen has inspired us all at Stowmarket Golf Centre. At the age of nine he was diagnosed with septic arthritis and an infection in his hip led to seven surgical operations. Despite this he continues to play golf to a high standard and has adjusted his swing, so that his right leg is on tip-toe when he strikes the ball. He always has a beaming, infectious smile and is warm and encouraging to other juniors. He is hugely determined and committed to his golf.”
Greg Spray, Marketing Manager at Ransomes Jacobsen presented the awards, which included a certificate, an embroidered golf bag and other golf related items. After the presentation he invited the assembled party, including the two winners to play a round of golf on the company’s par 9 course. Unfortunately none of the competitors managed to equal the course record, which currently stands at 8.
Speaking at the end of the event, Colin Firmin added, “On behalf of the Suffolk Golf Partnership, I would like to thank Greg and Ransomes Jacobsen for their hospitality today and for their generous support for our first 'Ransomes Jacobsen Junior Golf Award'.
“We were blessed with a lovely day and it was great to be able to present the awards alongside your golf course and then allow the winners and their followers the opportunity to play the course. It all made it such a special occasion for the youngsters and their families.”
About Ransomes Jacobsen
Ransomes Jacobsen manufactures an extensive range of turf maintenance equipment and utility vehicles to meet the needs of today’s grounds care professionals. They provide dedicated support and service training and conduct thorough testing for quality and reliability. The company markets Jacobsen products in the U.S., Asia, Oceania and South America, and the Ransomes brand through independent distribution in Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Ransomes Jacobsen, headquartered in Ipswich, England, is a Textron company. Additional information about the company, its products and commitment to customer support is available at www.ransomesjacobsen.com.
About Textron
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, 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 .