A Hadlow College student has fended off national competition to be named as the Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year.
Daniel Martin, who is studying for a Level 2 Golf Greenkeeping Apprenticeship, was named as the winner at the awards which celebrate the UK’s brightest and best student greenkeepers each year.
Daniel was chosen by the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and the award sponsors Toro and Reesink Turfcare following a rigorous selection process involving an exam and then a hole walk with the awards judges that is intended to test the finalists’ knowledge in a real world setting.
Daniel can now look forward to a two-week all expenses paid work experience placement at the exclusive Vidauban Golf Club in the south of France, plus a trip to BIGGA’s Continue to Learn conference and a Toro training voucher for a course of his choice.
Daniel said: “It’s a really good recognition of all the work that you have put into your career and studying to gain the extra knowledge to differentiate yourself from everyone else, so I felt satisfaction in the recognition of that work. For me, if I’ve achieved something well then it’s satisfaction of a job well done and on to the next one.”
Hope West, Head of Apprenticeships at Hadlow College, added: “Everyone at the College is absolutely delighted for Daniel to be named as Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year for 2023.
“This is one of the most prestigious golf greenkeeping competitions held annually within the UK and the selection process is very robust. It is great testament to Daniel, Farleigh Golf Club and the Greenkeeping Tutors at Hadlow College.”
Daniel’s nomination was endorsed by Wayne Syres, tutor at Hadlow College.
Daniel has been actively involved in a variety of projects at Farleigh Golf Club in Surrey, where he is First Assistant, including the construction of new tee blocks and new practice greens, fairway drainage installation and a new lake installation.
He has also completed a number of associated qualifications and volunteered at Foxhills during the PGA Cup in 2022.
North Kent College is one of the country’s leading apprenticeship providers offering a number of apprenticeships across our campuses at Tonbridge, Dartford, Gravesend and Hadlow in a variety of industries.