33 sponsors and spectators. We take that responsibility seriously, and it has been a privilege to work alongside some of Europe’s finest courses and architects to deliver those conditions. While tournament preparation is a hallmark of our service portfolio, Turfgrass is equally engaged in longterm architectural collaborations. Perhaps the most high-profile example is Adare Manor in Ireland, host of the 2027 Ryder Cup. Working with Tom Marzolf of Fazio Design, we advised on every agronomic aspect of the project, from rootzone, sandcapping and grass species selection to SubAir technology, as well as overseeing the grow-in. Our involvement has continued well beyond the course’s reopening in 2018, ensuring Adare remains in peak condition as Ryder Cup preparations intensify. Adare shows how meticulous planning, design, construction and agronomy can produce a course ready for championship golf. It demonstrates the value of early integration between architect and agronomist, where every element of the design is supported by the technical systems that allow it to thrive in tournament conditions. In the southwest of Ireland, Tralee Golf Club shows how natural links terrain and a regimented long-term links golf agronomy programme can lead a golf course to tournament standard. Designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay in the 1980s, Tralee is set to host the 2026 Arnold Palmer Cup. We have supported the club with renovation specifications, sustainability initiatives and agronomic planning, helping to ensure the natural drama of the links is matched by best-in-class playability. Tralee is one of those rare properties where natural linksland meets agronomic evolution, and being selected to host the Palmer Cup is a tribute to the club’s progress and commitment. These projects demonstrate how agronomy bridges design vision and championship reality. As expectations for tournament conditioning continue to rise, and climate pressure intensifies, the role of agronomy in golf course development has never been more important. Early and ongoing collaboration between architect and agronomist ensures not only that courses can host the world’s biggest events, but that they remain true to their design intent for years to come. In recent years, the Turfgrass team has expanded its development and tournament expertise with the additions of Adam Moeller (formerly of the USGA) and Brad Owen (formerly of Augusta National), reinforcing our position in this sector of the market. When a course steps onto the world stage, nothing can be left to chance. Every surface and detail must perform exactly as intended. At Turfgrass, we see our role as ensuring that, when the spotlight falls, the architect’s vision is realised at the very highest level. Julian Mooney is the director of agronomy at Turfgrass. At Tralee in Ireland, Turfgrass is handling the course’s agronomic evolution. Right, Julian Mooney and Adam Moeller provide instruction around setup to Ignacio Soto of Finca Corestin for the 2023 Solheim Cup Photo: Tralee Golf Club Photo: Turfgrass CHAMPIONSHIP PREPARATION
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