PERC, R&R Products and Audubon International partner with eight U.S. courses to test emissions-reducing propane equipment in new
demonstration program.
Photo: Courtesy of Propane Education & Research Council

Eight renowned U.S. golf courses are testing alternative fuel turf equipment through an inaugural research program with the Propane Education & Research Council. The 12-month demonstration program will lease propane-powered turf equipment to participating courses chosen for their commitment to environmental practices.

Courses include: Stone Mountain Golf Club, Stone Mountain, Georgia; Fernandina Beach Golf Club, Fernandina Beach, Florida; Marriott Desert Springs, Palm Desert, California; Renaissance Vinoy, St. Petersburg, Florida; Columbus Municipal Golf Courses, Columbus, Ohio; Reston National Golf Course, Reston, Virginia; George W. Dunne National, Oak Forest, Illinois; Willows Run Golf Course, Redmond, Washington.

Each course will receive four pieces of R&R Products' propane-powered equipment, including the Reel Max 331LP finish cut reel mower, Reel Max 744LP 5-gang fairway mower, Versa Green 2200 riding greens mower, and Sand Max 521LP utility vehicle. R&R Products is the first to manufacture and commercialize propane-powered turf equipment for the golf industry.

"Propane is the leading alternative fuel in the commercial landscape industry," said PERC president and CEO Roy Willis. "Contractors and equipment manufacturers have embraced the fuel because of its proven performance and environmental benefits. With R&R's partnership and industry-leading equipment offerings, we have an opportunity to bring these same benefits to the golf course industry, where we know propane technology will enhance their existing sustainability efforts."

The participating courses will record and report performance data, such as fuel savings, to PERC throughout the trial period. Data from the program will inform future R&D and commercialization efforts as the propane industry looks to expand the use of clean, cost-effective propane to new turf maintenance sectors.

The courses will receive equipment between October 2014 and March 2015. R&R Products will oversee the manufacturing, distribution, and periodic maintenance of the propane mowers. PERC will meanwhile serve as a resource in helping courses establish relationships with local propane providers, and Audubon International will assist in evaluating the program's impact on overall sustainability efforts. For more information on propane and propane equipment offerings in the commercial turf industry, visit www.propane.com.