“I think I would still have become a groundsman even if dad worked in another industry - it’s fascinating” Rory Ferguson
good career if I got stuck in to an apprenticeship as early as possible. I started at St. Andrews Links as an apprentice greenkeeper on the Old Course and worked my way up to become Course Foreman on the New Course. I Then I worked at Bathgate Golf Club near Edinburgh as Head Greenkeeper and spent some time with Sports Turf Services learning about the contracting side of the industry before moving to Rangers then into my current role at Portman Road. I love my job and now enjoy putting something back into the industry, whether it’s through the IOG, colleges or the FA. Having three sons I always hoped one of them would become a groundsman. The industry’s
Father: Garry Asquith Assistant Groundsman, Chapel Allerton Tennis Club
Son: Anthony Asquith Head Groundsman, Chapel Allerton Tennis Club
Anthony Asquith
“I’m 26 years old and am Head Groundsman at Chapel Allerton Tennis Club. I didn’t start my career as a
groundsman and I certainly wouldn’t have become one if it hadn’t been for my dad. I started doing temporary work at Chapel Allerton over the summer while studying for a sports science degree and it was then that I realised I wanted a career in the sports turf industry. The Head Groundsman at the time liked my enthusiasm and I was offered the position of Assistant Groundsman on a level with my dad who was also a groundsman there. I studied for an NVQ 2 and 3 in Sports Turf at Askham Bryan College in York and also did my spraying certificates. I was promoted to senior groundsman and then into my current role. Earlier this year I was also asked to maintain the four pitches at
Yarnbury Rugby Union so I now manage both sites with the help of my dad, Garry. I came into the industry by accident really, just a case of being in the right place right time. I’m driven and I liked working outdoors in a sporting environment. I love the industry now and believe things like
pitchcare.com move it forward. I was a professional rugby league player for four years when I left school, playing for Dewsbury from the age of sixteen and if I’d not done that summer work, I’d probably have worked in the sports industry in some capacity. I’m ambitious and plan to keep improving the courts and possibly progress to a more prestigious club or facility when one becomes available. Dad and I have got an excellent relationship. Instead of being father and son, we’re more like mates and definitely sing from the same hymn sheet. Dad hasn’t got any formal qualifications
changed a great deal since I joined. Youngsters can have a very rewarding career with good educational backup. The job itself is better now and so is the money. I hope Rory can be his own man. He certainly has the character! His good people skills are important for anyone hoping to make it in the industry. I think he has what it takes to go all the way and become a good Head man. I don’t have any concerns for him but hope people take him on his own merits, and not because he’s my son.”
Rory Ferguson
I had wanted to be a groundsman since I was about 12. I’m now 16, have done my GCSE’s and am
starting college where I’ll be studying for an NVQ Level 2 in Sportsturf. I’ve grown up around the industry and have been helping dad at the training ground and on a matchday for a while now. He’s very dedicated to his job, and his club, and often works late but he’s also taught me a lot about the plant and general turf maintenance, which helped me when we covered those subjects at school. I’m very interested in the science involved in groundsmanship and am always learning new things from him and his team. I think I would still have become a groundsman
even if dad worked in another industry - it’s fascinating. Over the summer, I’ve gained some practical experience at Ipswich and on the turf farm for SIS before going back to college. In the longer term, I plan to gain further
qualifications and eventually I’d like to become Head Groundsman at a major football club. I admire the working relationship my dad has with the board and coaches at Ipswich and I’d like to earn the same respect that he has gained at the club.”
but he more than makes up for that in hard work and dedication and most importantly I can rely on him. We don’t clash over anything and both offer opinions and we also both try and keep work and family separate. ”
Garry Asquith
“My background is in gardening, but before that I’d been a postman and a milkman. I’ve always loved the outdoor life. I applied for the groundsman’s job at Chapel Allerton back in 1990, coming into the industry late at the age of 37. Fifteen years on and I’m still in the same job. Turf maintenance is a real family affair with us. Anthony works with me and my other two
sons are both greenkeepers, one at Moortown Golf Club and the other at Leeds Golf Club. I’m very contented at the tennis club. I enjoy my job and have no plans to do anything else. For me, it’s a job, for Anthony, it’s a career and I’m very proud of him. I always wanted him to be educated as I knew he’d do well. He’s only young but he’s already come a long way, being a Head Groundsman at 26. He’s worked hard to be where he is and deserves the accolades so for him, the sky’s the limit! Whatever the set-up, we’re a team and Anthony is well qualified to make the decisions. We both really like working together, which makes the job all the more enjoyable.”
Photo courtesy of The Groundsman
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