The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association has revealed the 20 ambitious greenkeepers who will participate in the Future Turf Managers Initiative 2021 (FTIM).
Each year Jacobsen, which celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2021, opens the doors of its headquarters in Ipswich to 20 BIGGA members who have earned a place on the groundbreaking course by demonstrating their commitment to the profession and eagerness to learn.
Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, BIGGA and Jacobsen have created a new format for FTMI that will give the delegates a hybrid learning experience. The majority of the education and mentoring sessions will commence in April. An in-person event is then scheduled to take place in the autumn, which will enable delegates to meet in person and enjoy a tour of the Jacobsen factory. There will also be a learning session and formal graduation ceremony.
Each year FTMI pushes 20 BIGGA members out of their comfort zones, but in return they receive access to professional development experts and experienced mentors who provide them with a wide range of knowledge and skills that will prove invaluable as their careers progress.
FTMI was hosted first by BIGGA and Jacobsen 2013 and since then has expanded around the world, with similar programmes being introduced in Spain, Portugal, Australia and New Zealand.
Sami Strutt, Head of Learning and Development at BIGGA, said: “FTMI 2020 was one of the last in-person events hosted by BIGGA before the pandemic really hit and all our worlds changed. Since then BIGGA members have come to realise just how important continuing professional development can be for your own mental health and how it helps provide a platform where so many of us can come together as a community, albeit in socially-distanced manners.
“We’re told that the coronavirus pandemic will impact the economy for years to come and as part of that, competition for jobs is going to be fiercer than ever. I’m proud that these 20 successful candidates will be equipped with the best tools available to them to make the step up and achieve their career ambitions.”
Will Carr, Jacobsen UK Sales Director, said: “We are a proud member of the turf industry and work daily with greenkeepers, grounds people and volunteers who all share a passion for their turf asset. That overarching passion has always been there, but in recent times it has been highlighted.
“The level of dedication from professionals through to volunteers is always outstanding and we have tried to match that in our own way with educational programmes such as the Future Turf Managers Initiative and by sponsoring various industry events and awards that recognise great work and dedication.”
The members of the FTMI Class of 2021 are:
- Leon Brant, greenkeeper, Wexham Park Golf Centre
- Christopher Clark, first assistant, Prince’s Golf Club
- William Curran, assistant, Crowborough Beacon Golf Club
- Daryn Curtis, assistant, Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club
- Vincent Demarzo, deputy head greenkeeper, The Belfry
- Anthony Dineen, deputy head greenkeeper, Thorndon Park Golf Club
- Paul Fowkes, deputy head greenkeeper, Rothley Park Golf Club
- John Hockley, deputy head greenkeeper, Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club
- Conchobhar Kerr, first assistant, Royal Portrush Golf Club
- Stephen Lawlor, first assistant, St Andrews Links Trust
- Stephen Lindsay, deputy golf courses manager, The Gleneagles Hotel
- Jason Norwood, greenkeeper, Reay Golf Club
- Simon Parmenter, deputy head greenkeeper, Sunningdale Golf Club
- Liam Pigden, first assistant, Burnham and Berrow Golf Club
- Mark Reid, first assistant, Lanark Golf Club
- Joseph Spadaccini, greenkeeper, Stoneham Golf Club
- Andrew Weeks, deputy head greenkeeper, The Wisley Golf Club
- Craig Woodman, greenkeeper, Bramshaw Golf Club
- Jamie Wright, first assistant, Huntercombe Golf Club
- Kimberley Yeldham, deputy head greenkeeper, Barnham Broom Hotel Golf Club