A Sutton Coldfield student greenkeeper has been selected as the regional finalist in a competition that could see him win an eight-week scholarship in the United States.
David Stewart, 22, one of the greenkeeping team at Walmley Golf Club, has been selected to represent Warwickshire College at the regional final of the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award for 2015.
He will attend the regional event in Manchester on June 20th, and if successful will go on to the national final to be held at the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association HQ in York in September.
Deb Burnett of BIGGA said “selection for the regional final is an achievement in itself and we are delighted that Walmley Golf Club is giving David every encouragement to progress to the national final and perhaps to the USA.”
The first prize on offer to the winner is an all-expenses eight week study visit to the USA including six weeks at the University of Massachusetts to attend the winter turf school and visits to the Golf Industry Show in California and the Toro headquarters in Minneapolis.
There is also a second prize of an all-expenses paid study visit to Harrogate in January 2016.
Walmley Golf Club General Manager Tim Gilpin said “We are delighted for David and will support him all the way. Our aim is excellence in all aspects of the club and that obviously includes presenting and maintaining our course in the best possible condition.”
Last year David Stewart won the David Sharman Award for Best Young Greenkeeper awarded by the Warwickshire College where he studied part time.
A keen golfer and tennis player, David joined Walmley Golf Club after leaving Plantsbrook Schools Sixth Form.
“I didn’t think university was for me, and was looking for a career that would keep me out of doors. I came to Walmley in July 2011 thinking it might be a gap year but really enjoyed it and was offered a full time trainee job a few months later.”
David lives in Sutton with his parents and plays golf off of a 10 handicap at Walmley.
Walmley Golf Club www.walmleygolfclub.co.uk
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