Myerscough greenkeepers celebrated as among best in country

Three learners - Michael Budd, Craig Woodman and Callum Done – were finalists for the annual event that this week celebrated the best student greenkeepers in the country.

The three were invited along with the other shortlisted students to join an industry discussion group, before showcasing their skills in a variety of tasks, culminating in the awards presentation, where Craig Woodman was named runner up in the in the Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year category.

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 that we were so well represented again in this year’s finals.’’

For ambitious greenkeepers, the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards can represent the culmination of years of hard work. It was 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. The awards remain a real highlight of the greenkeeping calendar.”

The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards is a nationwide contest hosted by greenkeepers’ association BIGGA, sponsors turfcare machinery and irrigation manufacturers Toro, and its machinery distributor, Reesink Turfcare, to celebrate those talented student greenkeepers who are dedicating themselves to a career within the industry.

BIGGA Head of Member Learning Stuart Green said: “The finals are the culmination of a huge amount of hard work, not just for the judging panel who have travelled the length of the country meeting many talented applicants, but also for those finalists have shown incredible dedication to get themselves to this stage.

“They should all be incredibly proud of their achievements, and through their efforts I am certain they will help elevate the greenkeeping industry to new levels of professionalism.”