Toro unveils winner of Project Delta naming contest

At the 2017 Golf Industry Show, Toro invited superintendents and turf managers to help name a new turf maintenance machine that, at the time, was referred to as Project Delta. After reviewing thousands of submissions, Toro has selected the name for the revolutionary, new machine — the Toro Outcross 9060.

Curt Sheffer, the superintendent who submitted the Outcross name option during the show, manages the Plantation Course at Edisto in Edisto Beach, South Carolina. According to Sheffer, the idea for the name came to him after seeing the unit first-hand. Toro described the Outcross 9060 as bringing a new level of simplicity, versatility and efficiency to maintenance tasks that have long been considered cumbersome, difficult and inefficient.

"When I saw how Toro was cross-breeding a new super-machine by combining the best parts of a tractor and a utility vehicle, I knew it should be named ‘Outcross'," said Sheffer. "With the introduction of the new Outcross, Toro is helping to enhance the productivity and remove the costly inefficiencies turf managers often encounter in their daily operations."

Toro made their selection based on a number of factors including creativity, suitability for the product and compatibility with the Toro brand.

"We were immediately drawn to the name ‘Outcross' because of its creativity and alignment with the features and benefits of the product," said Noah Wahl, global product marketing manager at Toro. "Toro is excited to bring this pioneering product to the market with a name that fits its purpose-built, all-season functionality. This product will truly optimize the way turf maintenance operations are managed."

For Sheffer's contribution in helping name the new unit, Toro is providing a prize package worth $3,000. The package includes attendance at the 2018 Golf Industry Show in San Antonio, Texas, airfare, three-nights' lodging, entry to the GCSAA Golf Championships and a $500 Visa gift card.

The new unit will be available in summer 2018 from Toro's trusted distribution network.