Myerscough learner named national Student Greenkeeper of the Year

Jake Rose claimed the top prize at the 37th Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards.

Over the years the awards have helped unearth some of the brightest talents within the turf management industry and laid the foundations for decades of professional success.

Jake is first assistant at Alwoodley Golf Club and studying a Level 3 Advanced Sportsturf Technician apprenticeship, won the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award three years after finishing as runner-up in the Young category.

Jake was crowned at Rockliffe in County Durham after demonstrating his technical understanding, practical ability and enthusiasm for the profession.

Organised by BIGGA, Reesink Turfcare and Toro, the national final brought together nine greenkeepers who had progressed through online interviews earlier in the year. Across two days, they completed practical and theoretical challenges including seed and grass identification, presentations, interviews and a course walk.

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Jake used the judges' feedback from his previous appearance in 2023 to identify areas for improvement before returning with a different approach.

He said: "It's a massive honour. Coming runner-up in 2023 probably spurred me on that little bit more to want to do it again. It's a massive award and the prizes are phenomenal, so it's a pretty mint feeling all round.

‘’I asked for feedback last time, so I knew where my strengths and weaknesses were. This time I went in with a clean slate. I didn't focus on anyone else and just tried to do the best I could. Wherever that led, it led."

Jake originally qualified as a civil engineer before entering greenkeeping during the Covid pandemic. His career has since taken him to Wakefield, Moortown, Pannal and clubs in the United States before he joined Alwoodley, where he recently stepped up to first assistant.

He also highlighted the lasting relationships formed during the awards.

"You're competing against each other, but you're all in the same boat," he said.

"The friendships are a big part of it. I still speak to plenty of the lads from the last final and I'm good mates with them."

Rob Hogarth, Dealer Development – North at Reesink Turfcare and a judge for the main award, said: "Jake was confident, crisp and knowledgeable. He knew his subject matter and put the interview panel at ease.

‘’His answers were strong, consistent and well thought out. We feel sure he will go on to become someone who shapes the future of greenkeeping."

Meanwhile Isle of Purbeck apprentice and Myerscough College student Sam Wells (pictured above on the right), a Level 2 Golf Greenkeeper apprenrtice, was runner-up in the Young Greenkeeper of the Year category, while several other Myerscough learners also enjoyed the experience of taking part in the finals after making the shortlist across both categories.

BIGGA Chief Executive Jim Croxton said: "Every finalist performed with great distinction and demonstrated the talent emerging across our profession. These awards are always a highlight of the year, and we are extremely grateful to Reesink Turfcare and Toro for their continued support.

‘’The quality and enthusiasm on display at Rockliffe offered enormous encouragement for the future of greenkeeping."

Jake's prizes include enrolment in the University of Massachusetts' 10-week Winter School for Turf Managers, a one-week work placement and a visit to Toro's headquarters in the United States.

Jake follows in the footsteps of Brad Taylor, First Assistant Greenkeeper at Beau Desert Golf Club in the West Midlands, and Level 3 Advanced Sports Turf Technician apprentice, who took the title in 2025.