Swan Golf Designs, in collaboration with the Federation of European Golf Greenkeepers‘ Associations, of whom they are patrons, have announced a design scholarship – a ten week secondment programme for members of national greenkeepers‘ associations who are interested in learning more about golf course architecture.
The SGD Scholarship, backed by FEGGA, will allow one student each year to spend the Autumn in Howard Swan’s practice in England and to work and travel with his team of six architects, who are active in some 20 plus countries.
Dean Cleaver, secretary of FEGGA states, “We are very pleased to be able to offer this wonderful opportunity to our member associations through our partnership with Swan Golf Designs. FEGGA very much realises the importance of good communication when working with professional golf course architects within the scope of golf course management. This will certainly help in achieving greater understanding and creating much more awareness of the role they play, which in turn can only lead to better golf courses.”
The first Scholarship has been awarded to Annika Vehkonen from Lepaa University, north of Helsinki, nominated by the Finnish Greenkeeper’s Association. She will join Swan Golf Designs in mid September.
Howard Swan adds, “I am delighted that, with FEGGA, we have managed to give this opportunity to a young enthusiast. It is just one example of our intent and keenness to see better education and training in our profession. It will complement well the anticipated placement later this year of a Heriot-Watt University Masters Graduate this year, under the EIGCA Assisted Work programme. The future of our profession lies with these younger people and we need to ensure they are well trained and have the chance to have hands on experience.”
FEGGA dean.cleaver@btinternet.com
Swan Golf Designs www.swangolfdesigns.com