The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association, Reesink UK and Toro have revealed the winners of the prestigious Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year awards at a spectacular event at Oulton Hall in West Yorkshire.
Two student greenkeepers who had travelled the furthest proved victorious, with Jack Vowell of Farrington Park in Somerset and Daniel Parker of Knighton Heath in Dorset claiming the top prizes.
Following regional judging earlier in the year, 10 finalists were selected to contest the awards at Oulton Hall, where there was further examination of their abilities with a series of tests that gave them the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and passion for the greenkeeping industry.
The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award was presented to Jack Vowell, Deputy Head Greenkeeper at Farrington Park, by Jon Cole, Divisional Business Manager at Reesink Turfcare and main award judge. Jack is a former recruitment consultant who switched to greenkeeping five years ago and is a student at Bridgwater and Taunton College.
Jack said: “It was such a strong field that when the runner-up’s name was read out I thought, ‘I’ve got no chance, he’s fantastic compared to me’ and so I was in complete shock when my name was announced as the winner. I just couldn’t believe it was me!”
Jon Cole added: “The five main finalists were very impressive and they have done themselves and their clubs proud. They show that the industry is in extremely safe hands going forward. It was a closely run competition and everyone acquitted themselves well. Jack, however, showed a balance of professionalism and technical knowledge, which he knew how to deliver.”
Runner-up in the main category was Jack Wellings, Senior Greenkeeper at the JCB Golf & Country Club and a student at Myerscough College.
The Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award was presented to Daniel Parker, Apprentice Greenkeeper at Knighton Heath, by David Timms, National Accounts Manager for Reesink Turfcare and young award judge. Daniel is a student at Sparsholt College.
Daniel said: “So many emotions were going around my head, I couldn’t believe it, but it’s brilliant. I phoned my dad as soon as I found out and he was with some family at home and they were all celebrating with me. I then spoke to my course manager and he and the rest of the team were completely thrilled. This award is as much for them as it is for me because we’re all part of a team.”
David Timms added: “The young finalists shone on the course walk, demonstrating a fantastic level of knowledge with enthusiasm and confidence. All the awards judges felt proud, pleased and privileged to be able to see the calibre of the next generation of greenkeeping in front of us. Daniel is destined for a long career in the industry and is a worthy winner of the Young award.”
Runner-up in the young category was Alex Fox, Apprentice Greenkeeper at Woodhall Spa and a matchday groundsperson at Lincoln City FC and Wembley Stadium. Alex is a student at Bishop Burton College.
Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO, said: “Congratulations to Jack Vowell and Daniel Parker, two very worthy winners, and huge thanks to our friends at Reesink Turfcare and Toro for another truly inspirational Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year finals here at Oulton Hall. It’s been a fantastic event with 10 wonderful finalists all trying their best. BIGGA exists to try and improve the world for greenkeepers and looking at what we’ve had in front of us today and over the last few months through the process, I think greenkeeping has a bright future ahead.”
The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards will return in 2025. More information including how to nominate a student greenkeeper and the prizes on offer is available on the BIGGA website and the Reesink Turfcare website Students Awards | Reesink Turfcare.
Exclusive interviews with Jack Vowell and Daniel Parker can be viewed on the BIGGA website.