Apprentice Greenkeeper set for USA after winning TORO award

The huge success of Myerscough College’s ‘My Apprentice2012’ campaign has continued with the news that Advanced Apprentice Greenkeeper, Thomas Flavelle, has won the TORO Student Greenkeeper of the Year award 2012.

Acknowledged as the highlight of the student greenkeepers’ year, success in the competition has booked Thomas an eight week trip to the USA next year. There he will study the latest American turf management techniques, with the chance to tour Toro headquarters and join the BIGGA visit to the GCSAA Golf Industry Show in San Diego, California, in February 2013.

Thomas was successful for the award following two days of technical interviewing and examination where his industry know how and personality sufficiently impressed the judging panel to make him the clear winner.  

Myerscough College’s Work Based Training Coordinator, Jonathan Knowles, entered Thomas because of his evident passion for greenkeeping and his love of golf.

He said:  “Thomas can listen to and understand greenkeeping information and uses it regularly in his day to day work.  He really values good and true greenkeeping, especially as he is a category one golfer himself. He is an excellent student with a very positive persona and I hope he continues to progress with Myerscough and within the sportsturf industry!”

Thomas himself commented: "Being part of Myerscough College has given me the opportunity to develop many news skills and I am delighted that I have received this opportunity and can’t wait to go Stateside next year!”

Myerscough College is no stranger to prestigious awards and achievements in the sportsturf industry. These include former student and Head Groundsman at Real Madrid, Paul Burgess, winning the Association of Colleges Gold Award in 2011, and Assistant Greenkeeper at De Vere Dunston Hall, Craig Welford, wining the East of England Learning Skills Council Apprentice of the Year in 2009.

For more information about Sportsturf Apprenticeships visit www.myerscough.ac.uk/?page=workbased-intro or contact the Employer Services Team on 01995 642255.

More pictures of Thomas receiving his award are available here http://flic.kr/s/aHsjCaUYMC.