Myerscough greenkeepers named among best in country

Matthew Brighton is one of four student greenkeepers to be nominated

The College has four nominations of the six national learners named as finalists for the annual event that celebrates the best student greenkeepers in the country.

The four work-based learners nominated are:

Tom Smith, Deputy Head Greenkeeper at Cams Hall Estate Golf Club, Fareham.

Matthew Brighton, Deputy Head Greenkeeper at Alwoodley Golf Club, Leeds.

Alex Brougham, Assistant Greenkeeper at The RAC, Epsom.

Andy Clark, Assistant Greenkeeper at Remedy Oak Golf Club, Wimborne.

The Myerscough learners will now be hoping to follow in the footsteps of last year’s winner Steve Thorne, who was also a Myerscough College student. They are now through to the finals which begin on Monday 19th September, at Aldwark Manor, where BIGGA HQ is based. As part of the final the group will join an industry discussion group, complete an essay question, take part in a multiple choice quiz and also be interviewed by a panel from Toro and BIGGA.

The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year winner will receive an eight-week 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.

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 Tom, Matthew, Alex, Andy and the other finalists the very best of luck with the competition."

The prestigious Toro Student Greenkeeper awards are in their 28^th year and once again attracted a large number of excellent nominations, with interviews taking place across the country throughout the summer.

BIGGA Head of Member Learning Stuart Green was a member of the selection panel and said: “The passion and enthusiasm of the students we interviewed never ceases to inspire me. The industry is blessed with great young talent that needs to be nurtured and celebrated.

“The Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award and the introduction of the Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award provides a fantastic opportunity to recognise these outstanding students. The calibre has once again been excellent, which makes our job tougher each year.”

For more information on Greenkeeper education, training and Apprenticeships please contact the Employer Services Team at Myerscough College on 01995 642255 or email employerservices@myerscough.ac.uk