“I know we are lucky when the boss’s wife comes with us. I think it shows that they care about us and they involve us in their lives”
Powell, the Head Groundsman for the stadium and the practice facility in Berea, Ohio. The owner of Aston Villa, Randy Lerner, also owns The Cleveland Browns American Football team. Sharing ideas, problems and solutions is so great in this profession and that is why I like it so much. Ohio State University is great at putting all of these people together. That is why this intern programme has meant so much to me. I now understand why they run this programme. It is more than just training students or a work placement. It is about preparing them for life, connecting them with high profile people, not just in America but around the world. I also went to the Ohio Turfgrass
Foundation research field day.
www.ohioturfgrass.org. This was a huge open day held at the University Research Farm. Many people from the golf course, sportsturf and lawncare sectors attend to see the various tests they carry out on grasses for different types of sports from golf to stadiums. It was useful to see how different grasses grows in different condition and how to treat diseases. This can be useful as it may save time doing trials yourself as, maybe, they will be doing a test that would work for you. And, because they are carried out by the university, they are independent from the big chemical companies, so the tests are true and accurate.
I have also been a busy enjoying myself outside of work. I went up to Cleveland,
which is a very nice city on the banks of Lake Erie. It is
famous for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and for its huge number of bridges
spanning the Cuyahoga River - twenty- two at the last count. There are loads of different types, some interesting and some not so interesting, but fascinating to see. I went with my boss, Course Superintendent Todd Voss, who knows Cleveland very well and was able to point out places of interest. We were also lucky to get tickets to a Major League baseball game between the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago White Sox. Cleveland lost the game 5-4. The ground was very impressive and the atmosphere inside was electric - totally different from what I was expecting.
I also went to see the local baseball team, the Columbus Clippers. This is a lower league baseball team and they are a feeder team to the New York Yankees. This was a much more relaxed and chilled atmosphere, completely different to the Indians game.
I also managed to get up to the biggest
rollercoaster theme park (I think!) in the world. It is called Cedar Point. This was an amazing day out. I went with my two
EACH issue we catch up with a leading turfgrass professional and ask him or her what’s going on in...
Who are you? Lance Bassett
How are you? Well, I'm still standing up and able to walk, so fine I reckon.
What's your background? Worked in sales at Allen Power Equipment from 1975-2001, Sales Director from 1990. PR consultant from 2001 to present.
Status? Married, three sons, one grandson.
Favourite Radio Programme? I'm sorry I haven't a clue presently but Hancock's Half Hour is my all time favourite.
Favourite Film? Battle of Britain.
Above l-r: Will Laws, Jon Calderwood, Head Groundsman at Aston Villa, James McCague and Rob Jones at The Crew Stadium
Left: Rob at the Cleveland Indians game against the Chicago White Sox
house mates Will Laws and Jim McCague and also Heidi, who is Todd’s wife. Heidi loves roller coasters and was off work that day. We all had a good day out and got on as many rides as we could. It was thoroughly enjoyable and I can see why all the lads on the staff were telling us we had to experience it.
As you can see, we work hard but we also get out and have fun which, I believe, has been a very nice balance. I know we are lucky when the boss’s wife comes with us! I think it shows that they care about us and they involve us in their lives.
I am getting close to the end of my time here at Double Eagle and I have enjoyed every minute of working on the golf course. Maybe one day I might try and come back and work here (if they want me back). I reckon this course ranks with the top golf courses I have worked on in my short time in this industry. If there are any comments or questions you would like to make about the articles. please email me at
robjones_69@hotmail.com and I’ll do my best to help you. It would be nice to hear from you anyway just to get some feedback.
Cheers for now. Rob Jones READERS
Favourite TV? Frasier. Favourite Sport? Motor racing. Favourite Food? Tournedos Rossini.
Most memorable moment event in your life? Besides the birth of my sons, probably becoming Sales Director of Allen Power Equipment, the job I always wanted. Sad but true.
What do you do in your spare time? Amateur dramatics having been in the local group since 1971!
Favourite place -h here and abroad?
Here - The Lake district. Abroad - The Amalfi Coast, Italy.
Pet Hates? Smart arse politicians Lives What car do you drive? S type Jag.
Where's our industry going? The industry has changed dramatically since I left Allens. What I see now is the polarising of companies through acquisitions and, I am told, margins are being shot to pieces especially with sales to golf clubs. As far as I can see there will be more of the same with a reduction in the number of suppliers, then perhaps common sense will prevail and customers will realise dealers and manufacturers have to make a profit or go to the wall with the corresponding loss of local service back up.
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