GT AirInJect nab HSBC innovation award

GT AirInject, creators of the Air2G2 aeration machine, have won the 2016 HSBC Golf Business Forum Innovation Award. The award was presented on November 29th during the forum’s annual gala, held this year at TPC Sawgrass, headquarters of the PGA Tour, in Ponte Vedra, Florida.

GT AirInject is one of five companies that were shortlisted for the award. The HSBC Golf Innovation Forum describes the Air2G2 as “a true aeration machine” that infuses the soil with air while creating “minimal surface disruption” that leaves a surface immediately playable after treatment. In a statement on the HSBC Golf Business Forum website, event organizers said the machine was selected for the award for its far-reaching potential to impact the golf industry, declaring: “The Air2G2 will benefit every course manager in the world.”

“We are so humbled to be chosen for this award,” said Glen Black, president of GT AirInject. “We founded GT AirInject to revolutionize golf course maintenance with true aeration that doesn’t create disruption for turf, course superintendents, or golfers. It’s an honor to have that dream recognized.”

Some of the world’s most high-profile golf courses utilize the Air2G2 aerification machine in their regular maintenance practices. Among them are: Gleneagles Resort in Perthshire, Scotland; Muirfield Village Golf Course, Dublin, Ohio; Medinah Country Club, Medinah, Illinois; Valhalla Golf Club, Louisville, Kentucky; and Desert Mountain, Scottsdale, Arizona.

Laurie Potter, London-based event coordinator for the HSBC Golf Innovation Forum, explains that the award is an opportunity to showcase the contributions innovative companies make to the golf industry. “The award gives professionals a chance to be identified by their peers and recognized by industry experts from more than 40 different countries,” Potter said.

The HSBC Golf Business forum has a focus on fostering and recognizing innovation. “Innovation is a key pillar of the Forum,” Potter said.

The award is in its third year, and GT AirInject now takes its place alongside past winners Golphin Ltd. and Clubs for Hire. Applicants are selected on a points-based system by a panel of golf industry leaders looking to identify the industry’s most creative and dynamic individuals. This year, there were approximately 50 initial applicants, according to Potter.

This year marks the first time the international award ceremony was held in America —in previous years the awards ceremony was held in Dubai (2014) and Shanghai (2015).

GT AirInject and the Air2G2 machine recently celebrated its fifth anniversary. GT AirInject recently released a smaller, more portable aerator, the Air2HP.