Myerscough greenkeepers shortlisted for national award

Michael Budd, Craig Woodman and Callum Done are finalists for the annual event that celebrates the best student greenkeepers in the country, and go through to the final next month, with Michael on a six person shortlist for the main Student Greenkeeper prize, and Craig and Callum shortlisted for the Young Greenkeeper award.

The final will begin on Monday 11th September, where candidates will join an industry discussion group hosted by BIGGA Chairman, Les Howkins. The finalists of the two awards will then undertake a variety of tasks, culminating in the awards presentation, which will take place on the afternoon of Tuesday 12th September.

The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year winner will receive an eight-week all expenses paid scholarship, including a six-week residential turf management study course at the University of Massachusetts, a trip to the Golf Industry Show and a visit to the Toro factory.

The Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year, will receive a two-week all expenses paid work experience placement at the exclusive Vidauban Golf Club in the South of France. They will also receive a trip to Continue to Learn at the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition in Harrogate next January and enjoy a five-night package that includes hotel, four days of education, travel and £125 expenses, plus a Toro training voucher.

The runners-up of each award will also receive a training package for BTME 2018.

The Myerscough learners will now be hoping to follow in the footsteps of the 2015 winner, Steve Thorne, who was also a Myerscough College student.

Myerscough College Employer Services Manager, Lee Price said: "We deliver apprenticeships and work-based greenkeeping qualifications to learners across the country and it’s amazing to see the progression and achievements of our students.

'’We are extremely proud to be so well represented again in this year’s finals and wish Michael and Craig the very best of luck with the competition."

For ambitious greenkeepers, the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards can represent the culmination of years of hard work. It’s the 29th time the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year has been contested and second time out for the Toro Young Student Greenkeeper.

BIGGA Chief Executive Officer Jim Croxton said: “There are many talented people joining our industry, choosing greenkeeping as a career and investing in education to do so. The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year process is a brilliant way of recognising the individuals who will shape this industry for years to come.

“Our thanks go to Toro and Reesink Turfcare for their ongoing support of what has long been a highlight of the greenkeeping calendar for BIGGA and its members.”

The awards enable BIGGA, turf maintenance equipment manufacturer Toro and distributor Reesink Turfcare to celebrate those talented student greenkeepers who are dedicating themselves to a career within the industry.