A former IT recruiter, a hotel doorman, a county cricketer and a heavy metal guitarist are just some of the finalists of the most prestigious awards event in the student greenkeeping calendar.
The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and co-founders and sponsors Toro and Reesink UK have revealed the line-up for the 2024 Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards. Now in its 35th year, the awards have helped unearth some of the brightest talents within the turf management industry and laid the foundations for decades of professional success.
Held at Oulton Hall in Leeds on 2-4 September, the finalists will compete in a series of challenges that are designed to test their technical knowledge and passion for the greenkeeping profession. Winners will then be crowned in the categories of Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year and Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year.
BIGGA Learning and Development Manager Deb Burnett said: “Whether joining the industry fresh from full-time education or opting to switch after a career elsewhere, our finalists are a diverse group, but they demonstrate the extraordinary talent that is present in today’s golf greenkeeping industry. The degree of knowledge they possess is testament to the quality of training they receive, both at work and with their training providers, and we’re looking forward to welcoming them all to the finals in Leeds in September for what stands to be an exciting couple of days.”
David Timms, National Accounts Manager at Reesink UK and Young award category judge, said: “We are very much looking forward to again welcoming this year’s finalists to the long list of student greenkeepers who have made it to this stage previously. The interviews this year were all of a high calibre and showcased how positive the future of the industry is. On behalf of everyone at Reesink UK and Toro, we wish all the finalists good look and will see them in September for the next part of their journey.”
The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year finalists are:
Patrick Brown, greenkeeper at Wentworth Club and student at Berkshire College of Agriculture
Jack Chapman, apprentice greenkeeper at The Grove and student at Capel Manor College
Matt McCreadie, greenkeeper at Tadmarton Heath GC and student at Myerscough College
Jack Vowell, greenkeeper at Farrington Park GC and student at Bridgwater & Taunton College
Jack Wellings, greenkeeper at JCB Golf & Country Club and student at Myerscough College
The Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year finalists are:
Morgan Bowen, greenkeeper at Nevill GC and student at North Kent College
Alex Fox, apprentice greenkeeper at Woodhall Spa GC and student at Bishop Burton College
William Moore, apprentice greenkeeper at Kilworth Springs GC and student at Myerscough College
Daniel Parker, greenkeeper at Knighton Heath GC and Sparsholt College
Cameron Redden, apprentice greenkeeper at Strathmore Golf Centre and SRUC Elmwood College
To be eligible for the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year category, candidates must have been a greenkeeper for a minimum of 12 months and be studying towards the Level 2 Golf Greenkeeper or Level 3 Advanced Golf Greenkeeper qualifications.
To be eligible for the Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year category, candidates must be aged 21 or under and studying towards the Level 2 award at the time of application.
More information about the finalists can be found on the BIGGA website, where you can also find information about the incredible prizes on offer for the awards winners and their endorsers and the runners-up in each category, including a 10-week placement on one of the industry’s most influential training courses.