Legacy in Motion: Jim Clapper Visits St Andrews, Honouring a Century of Innovation

ST ANDREWS, Scotland. (October, 2025) — In a moment that bridges history and innovation, Jim Clapper was recently photographed at the iconic Old Course at St Andrews Links, seated atop a Toro® Greensmaster® eTriflex® 3370. A machine whose origins trace back to his great-grandfather, John Samuel Clapper, co-founder and first president of Toro.

The Greensmaster eTriflex 3370, an all-electric greens mower, is a modern embodiment of a visionary patent filed decades ago by John Samuel Clapper. His original design was revolutionary for its time, featuring tractor-mounted electric-powered cutting reels and a host of forward-thinking features:

• Curved Precision: Closely spaced rows of cutting units allowed for seamless movement around curves, eliminating uncut strips and protecting turf integrity.
• Grass Catcher Integration: Each cutting unit could be equipped with a catcher without altering spacing — a nod to both efficiency and cleanliness.
• Modular Versatility: The mower supported configurations from one to five cutting units, all easily detachable for flexible use.
• Simplified Lifting Mechanism: Operators could lift individual cutters off the ground to facilitate turning and transport without engaging the blades.

Clapper’s invention was showcased at traveling manufacturer exhibitions, generating buzz across the golf industry. The Detroit News hailed it as “one of the most advanced ideas in mowers.” Yet, despite its ingenuity, the corded design and reliance on portable generators limited its commercial success, clean energy simply wasn’t in demand at the time.

Sandy Reid, Director of Greenkeeping at St Andrews Links Trust, shared his thoughts on the partnership and the Greensmaster eTriflex 3370:

“Our longstanding partnership with Toro has been built on shared values of quality, innovation, and a commitment to excellence on the golf course. The Greensmaster eTriflex 3370 is a perfect example of this, combining precision cutting, ease of use, and an excellent operator experience.
Across our seven courses at St Andrews Links, we utilise ten 3370 units to cut greens, tees, and surrounds to the highest standards. This includes the cutting of greens during the 150th Open, the Walker Cup, and the AIG Women’s Open. Toro’s commitment to quality is unsurpassed, and the 3370 helps us consistently deliver world-class playing surfaces.”

Today, the Greensmaster 3370 stands as a tribute to that early vision. Jim Clapper’s visit to St Andrews not only celebrates his family’s legacy but also highlights Toro’s enduring commitment to innovation and sustainability — values that have defined its 25-year relationship with St Andrews Links.