PROFESSIONAL golfers know grass. Or at least they think they do.
Most can tell the difference between couch and kikuyu fairways, a good lie from bad, bent grass greens from Bermuda and which is better suited to their putting stroke.
But do they really know grass? Especially when it comes to maintaining courses and presenting them in the best possible condition.
While first to admit she has a way to go, recent major championship winner Grace Kim might be getting something of a jump on the competition when it comes to appreciating course playing surfaces after becoming an ambassador with Husqvarna, a leading manufacturer of outdoor power products including robotic, ride on and handheld lawn mowers.
Kim became inquisitive when seeing Husqvarna’s robotic mowers in action at the women’s Scottish and British Open’s this year, encouraging her people, to talk to Husqvarna’s people, with the result being an association the talented young Sydneysider is genuinely excited about.
Grace Kim, a Husqvarna ambassador, is getting to know her grass!
“I hope this is a long-term thing,” Kim expressed while visiting the Oatlands Golf Club and seeing two Husqvarna robotic mowers in action, mowers which currently help maintain seven of the course’s fairways.
“I’m very excited for where this can lead – and I’m now obsessed with lawn care. I’ve already made some visits to Bunnings, for topsoil and fertilizers.
“But I have all the gear and no idea. I need all the help I can get.,” Grace joked.
Courtesy of Husqvarna Grace puts the Automower® 405XE robotic mower to good use at her Fairfield home in Sydney’s western suburbs.
Those who certainly do have some idea are superintendents, greenkeepers and those entrusted with looking after sporting facilities and golf courses, with many becoming increasingly aware of the ability of robotic mowers to enhance their overall maintenance programs and operations.
Also taking advantage are homeowners and residential customers like Grace, an increasing number replacing labour intensive options, with the new age of robotic mowers.
Husqvarna, currently providing robotic mowers to 40 per cent of the top 200 ranked golf courses in the US, is increasing their presence in Australia, providing a range of professional products which boast premium performance and usability. See the Husqvarna website or visit a local stockist to find out more.
An amateur standout, winning the NSW Amateur and Australian Medal in 1988, before going down in the final of the 1990 Australian Amateur Championship, Rob Willis turned professional in 1992, playing the Australasian and Asian Tours, with his highlight being his victory in the 1995 Dubai Creek Open and third placing at the European Tour's Dubai Dessert Classic. A former Editor of Golf Australia Magazine, Willis, who ventured away from golf for a period to be the media manager for the NRL's Cronulla Sharks, has been a contributor to PGA Australia's PGA Magazine for over a decade and for Inside Golf since its first edition back in 2005. 
