Ian Nichols, a greenkeeper at Orsett Golf Club in south Essex, is the recipient of the 2013 Ransomes Jacobsen-sponsored best student award, presented at Myerscough College’s graduation ceremony recently.
Ian is a former investment banker and has been studying full-time for the past three years after deciding to seek an alternative career path from that in the City of London. He graduated with a BSc (Hons) degree in Turfgrass Science and was presented with the Ransomes Jacobsen Cup for his commitment and contribution to the demanding study programme.
In recognition of his achievement, Ian will be invited to the Jacobsen Future Turf Managers programme, held annually at Charlotte in North Carolina, where he will spend a week with recent US graduates to broaden his understanding of the global turf maintenance sector.
“I am thrilled to be invited on such a programme by Ransomes Jacobsen and look forward to bringing back some new ideas to Orsett Golf Club,” he said. “I would also like to thank the Ransomes Jacobsen organisation for their continued sponsorship of the cup and awards.”
Commenting on Ian’s achievement, course tutor Andrew Owen, PhD, MSc said, “Ian completed the degree with the highest overall module grade this year. Throughout his course he has consistently produced exemplary work and has been a model student. He thoroughly deserves this accolade.”
Although not present at the graduation ceremony, Benjamin Simpkins was the winner of the Ransomes Jacobsen Turf Machinery Practical Award. Course tutor David Leach said,
“Ben relished every practical challenge during his course, working hard in all types of weather and the final product was always presented to a very high standard.”
Ransomes Jacobsen www.ransomesjacobsen.com
Myerscough College www.myerscough.ac.uk