The Belfry Hotel & Resort has announced the appointment of Anna Nilsson as the new Deputy Head Greenkeeper of its world famous Brabazon course.
Nilsson, who was previously Senior Greenkeeper at the Warwickshire-based resort, becomes the first woman to manage the four-time Ryder Cup course.
Responsibilities in her new role include turf management, people management and maintaining the course to ensure the Brabazon offers a tournament standard for all players on a daily basis. Her biggest task this year will be preparing the course ahead of this year’s Betfred British Masters which is being staged on the Brabazon from May 5-8 and hosted by former Masters champion Danny Willett.
Nilsson said: “It is an honour to have been promoted to Deputy Head Greenkeeper of The Belfry’s flagship course. I am proud to have been given this opportunity and to be able to work alongside such a fantastic, knowledgeable, and inspiring team every day. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for them.”
She added: I’ve worked on a number of courses and nowhere compares to The Belfry, we ensure that our guests can experience a Ryder Cup quality course daily as the Brabazon is always up to tournament standard. I am very excited to continue share my passion and knowledge and I hope that my story will continue to inspire more women to join this incredible industry.”
Sweden-born Nilsson joined The Belfry in 2019 after moving from her native country to take on the role. She studied at the Swedish University of Agricultural Studies and has worked across several golf courses in Sweden, which included maintaining the courses in snowy conditions as well as fixing moose and wild boar damage on the course.
Commenting on Nilsson’s promotion, Angus Macleod, Director of Golf Courses and Estates at The Belfry Hotel & Resort, said: “Anna is a credit to our team, and we are delighted to promote her to Deputy Head Greenkeeper of the iconic Brabazon. Anna is extremely dedicated and continues to show great passion in everything she does, we look forward to the incredible expertise that she will bring to the role. I hope that Anna’s success will continue to unite the industry and raise interest in golf amongst women, which I hope leads to more women choosing to pursue a career in greenkeeping.”
