MARRIOTT HOTELS

The Marriott group includes such well-known golf venues as Forest of Arden, Dalmahoy, and St Pierre which have hosted many top competitions, including the Solheim Cup, English Open, British Masters and Brabazon Trophy.

"Robert's experience and knowledge of turfgrass and golf course requirements makes him a valued and respected member of the team looking after Marriott Hotels' fifteen courses in the UK. He has visited at least annually since 1999 and the time spent with our greenkeepers on course is an important part of our maintenance programme. His expertise in the technical aspects of agronomy, coupled with sustainable and completely independent advice, is second to none. The condition of our courses is very important to us, and through his visits, and concise and well-written reports, we are able to improve what we have as well as deal with any problems that may arise. I thoroughly recommend him."

Alison Ainsworth, Senior Director of Golf, Leisure & Spa Operations Europe, Marriott Hotels Ltd

WOBURN GOLF CLUB

All three courses at Woburn are consistently rated among the best in the UK. Woburn was the venue for the British Masters for many years and is currently the location for the Travis Perkins Senior Masters competition.

"I have known Robert for ten years through his association with the Marriott golf resorts in the UK, and when I came to Woburn I was very keen to use his expertise once again. I trust him implicitly to work alongside my Course Manager, John Clarke, to give us the back-up we need, ensuring that the operational tactics that we employ on a day-to-day basis delivers the long term stability and plant health that we are looking for. His annual visit, with the follow up report, is structured to cover all three golf courses at Woburn and is extremely useful when we discuss our future plans for machinery purchase and operational activity with our CEO and owner. I feel that using the expertise of John and the scientific input of Robert we can ensure long-term success for our courses."

Jason O'Malley, General Manager, Woburn Golf Club
www.woburn.co.uk/golf

LONDON GOLF CLUB

The International course is host to Open Championship Regional Qualifying. A classic Jack Nicklaus course, the Heritage course recently hosted the European Open. The London Golf Club has been chosen by the EGU to host the Brabazon Trophy in 2013.

"The key thing for us is that Robert is a very experienced agronomist, with a scientific background, and who also gives a personal service. We have used his tissue, water and soil analysis services for the last ten years, coupled with site visits, and because we have worked together for so long he can point out any test anomalies that may have to be dealt with. His attention to detail in all our dealings is unique in my experience. For example, he is very specific about how we take our samples so that his resulting reports are always reliable. His advice is an important part of our maintenance and nutrition programme and as a result we have few problems."

Peter Todd, Golf Courses Manager, London Golf Club and BIGGA Chairman 2009
www.londongolf.co.uk

MINCHINHAMPTON GOLF CLUB

Minchinhampton Golf Club has hosted many important events such as the Open Championship Regional Qualifying and this. In 2013 Minchinhampton is the venue for the EGU County Championships Final.

"Robert has been visiting Minchinhampton Golf Club several times a year since 1997, supplying us with sound and modern agronomic advice. During this time he has assisted and advised on the construction of new greens, and helped to make some very significant improvements to existing features. As well being a highly technical agronomist, Robert's advice is practical and realistic and he always looks for new ways of solving problems. This is what I believe makes him a unique advisor."

Paul Worster, Golf Courses Manager, Minchinhampton Golf Club and BIGGA Chairman 2010
www.minchinhamptongolfclub.co.uk

DE VERE OULTON HALL

The golf courses at Oulton Hall were designed by Dave Thomas and are widely regarded as among the finest in the North of England.

"Robert Laycock has an enviable reputation throughout the UK and having worked with Robert at De Vere Oulton Hall, I can willingly testify to his expertise and significant experience with golf course agronomy. With competition for business amongst commercial and resort golf courses at an all-time high, effective and efficient golf course management is paramount. Robert supports the delivery and continuous development of golf course presentation and fine turf surfaces with an experienced approach to agronomy."

Jim Brown, Group Golf Courses Manager, De Vere Hotels
www.devere.co.uk/our-locations/oulton-hall/golf

KIRKBYMOORSIDE GOLF CLUB

Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Kirkbymoorside Golf Club is one of the best courses in North Yorkshire.

"Robert has been very supportive of our greens staff and of the club, helping to improve course condition and maximising the time during the year that the greens are in top condition. A particular useful part of his advice to us over the past eight years has been in helping us extend the old greens without resorting to rebuilding them. That, and the fact that he is always available on the phone, has proved of great value to us."

Rose Rivis, Club Secretary, Kirkbymoorside Golf Club
www.kirkbymoorsidegolf.co.uk

MANCHESTER GOLF CLUB

Manchester Golf Club is a mainly moorland course designed by Harry Colt and is one of the top golf courses in the north-west of England. It hosted the Lancashire Amateur Championship 2011 and has been chosen as the venue for the Northern Counties Championship in 2013.

"Having worked with Robert for six years as the retained agronomist at Manchester Golf Club, I have found his advice honest, accurate and invaluable. We have consistently seen an improvement in the condition of the golf course since Robert’s involvement and I have no hesitation in recommending his services. His experience, attention to detail and value for money have been an excellent asset to the club and his complete independence and impartiality provide additional peace of mind."

Nick Leech, Chairman of Green, Manchester Golf Club
www.mangc.co.uk

ULVERSTON GOLF CLUB

Founded in 1895 and overlooking Morecambe Bay, Ulverston Golf Club is one of the best courses in Cumbria.

"For some years now Robert has been monitoring the grass content, rooting and thatch depth of our greens and advising on a maintenance programme.  He works well alongside everyone and the benefits of the programme are there for all to see. Congratulations are due to Robert, to our Head Greenkeeper, Mike Etchells and to our excellent greens staff who have been implementing his advice."

Gordon Brown, Greens Chairman, Ulverston Golf Club, South Cumbria
www.ulverstongolf.co.uk