Golf
century. “The potential is fantastic. There are some superb holes here, I will just present them differently, whilst making improvements and updating the course,” he explains. Tony has always been a very
progressive manager and, during his years at Dinsdale Spa, made countless improvements to the course; rebuilding, extending and revamping much of it. He was also very actively involved in greenkeeper training in his BIGGA local section, speaking at conferences and shaping the future of greenkeeper training in a role within the GTC, whilst also representing BIGGA as part of the 2003 Bernhard sponsored trip to the GCSAA show.
“I have always believed in the importance of well trained and motivated staff, and give my staff every
opportunity to progress their careers.” As you can imagine, staff training and development is an important part of Tony’s plans at Shanklin & Sandown, and he will encourage his team of five - Deputy, Robert Hancock; Assistants Guy Mitchinson, Micah Knight, Tim Creed and Jamie Tredwell, plus part-time fitter, Paul Knight, to be the very best they can. They have already attained new skills and qualifications at training courses. But, what else does he have in mind? On being appointed, one of the first things he did was to arrange a members’ open night where over one hundred members attended and listened to his detailed plans. “I have always believed in the power of information and communications,” says Tony. “During my powerpoint presentation, I informed the members of some of the more disruptive work that would impact on them and the
golf course and, more importantly, why we were doing it. It was a very positive meeting, and the members who attended could see our objectives and, ultimately, my drive to make the course not only the best on the island but one of the best in the south.”
Soon after the meeting, the work began, and one of the first tasks was sharpening the chainsaws and removing eighteen leylandii trees that had formed a semi-circle behind the 12th green. “Many of the greens and tees are surrounded by trees and scrub, which is reducing airflow and light,” explains Tony. “This has also played a part in the reduction of heather on the course, so we have started a tree and scrub removal programme which will improve the performance and health of all surfaces. We are also beginning a heathland restoration programme to restore as
“I have always believed in the importance of well trained and motivated staff, and give my staff every opportunity to progress their careers”
Tony Mears, Head Greenkeeper, Shanklin & Sandown Golf Club
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