Myerscough apprentice recognised in BIGGA Student Greenkeeper of the Year

Published: Wednesday 11 September

A Myerscough College apprentice has been recognised for the quality of his work in the annual Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year awards.

The event celebrates the best student greenkeepers in the country, with Myerscough boasting three finalists this year in total.

The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), Reesink UK and Toro have revealed the winners of the prestigious Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year awards at a spectacular event at Oulton Hall in West Yorkshire.

Following regional judging earlier in the year, 10 finalists were selected to contest the prestigious awards at Oulton Hall, where there was further examination of their abilities with a series of tests that gave them the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and passion for the greenkeeping industry.

The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award was presented by Jon Cole, Divisional Business Manager at Reesink Turfcare and main award judge.

Runner-up in the main category was Jack Wellings, Senior Greenkeeper at the JCB Golf and Country Club and a student at Myerscough College.

A lifelong supporter and season ticket holder of Wolverhampton Wanderers, Jack has worked in the sports turf industry for nearly 10 years.

He was selected for FTMI in 2023 and has travelled to the USA on four occasions to volunteer at PGA Tour events. In 2022 he volunteered at Augusta National Golf Club for the Augusta National Women's Amateur.

Jack said: ‘’I’m speechless to be honest. To come runner up behind a very worthy winner, it feels great and I’m lucky to be here.

‘’To be walking away with this prize, I’m really pleased with it.

"I am excited for what the future holds at JCB Golf & Country Club, my home club that has given me the inspiration and platform to achieve anything I wish to achieve."

Jon Cole added: “The five main finalists were very impressive and they have done themselves and their clubs proud.

‘’They show that the industry is in extremely safe hands going forward. It was a closely run competition and everyone acquitted themselves well.’’

Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO, said: “It’s been a fantastic event with 10 wonderful finalists all trying their best.

‘’BIGGA exists to try and improve the world for greenkeepers and looking at what we’ve had in front of us today and over the last few months through the process, I think greenkeeping has a bright future ahead.”