Training & Development
Michael Dobson, Liverpool Football Club past Myerscough College learners.
Lee Jackson, himself, is no stranger to hard work and dedication, and his training achievements are astounding, and act as a great example to Apprentices as to what can be achieved with hard work, dedication and the support from an employer. In just under a decade, Lee went on to achieve Levels 2, 3 and 4 in Sportsturf, as well as Foundation Degree in the subject, all under the direction of Myerscough College.
Lee said; “It’s fantastic that Myerscough College have chosen to highlight my own personal achievements. For me, it was all
Joe Clements, Levens Hall
Why did you choose Greenkeeping as a career choice?
“I started Greenkeeping when l was in college studying for a National Diploma in Rural Management. As part of my course, l had to find some work experience. My mum and dad played golf and, so, spoke to the owners of the golf course where they were members and was offered the opportunity to do my work experience at Aldersey Green Golf Club near Chester.”
“l always enjoyed working outside and with the environment, so this was a great introduction to the industry. After leaving college, l worked as a landscape gardener, then l went to an open day at Carden Park (now DeVere Carden Park). l originally applied for the gardener’s position, but the Head Greenkeeper, Justin Cheung, and Estates/Course Manager, Andy Campbell, saw my greenkeeping experience so suggested that l may want a position on the golf course. The rest is history!”
Phil Lomas and Lee Jackson
about working hard and doing things the right way. To be reunited with Phil and to share our career history has been great. I really hope that young people reading this see Apprenticeships as a worthwhile and rewarding career choice.”
Professional, industry competent Work- based Tutors form the heart of our Workbased training programmes and, in this issue, we catch up with Wendy O’Brien just prior to her regular trip out to Augusta for the US Masters. This will be Wendy’s 13th Masters Tournament; she will be part of the volunteer Greenkeeping team under the direction of Augusta National Superintendent, Brad Owen.
Wendy delivers Sportsturf training to a wide range of employers across central England. We asked Wendy what inspired her to pursue a career within the turf industry.
Wendy O’Brien
“I joined the team a couple of months before the Nicklaus course opened and soon was trained on most tasks; enrolling on my NVQ Sportsturf level 2. After three years at Carden Park, l took an eighteen month sabbatical to go on the Ohio State program. During my time in the USA, l worked as an intern for six months at the Kingsmill Resort which had three different 18-hole courses and hosted an annual PGA tour event. From there, l went to Augusta National Golf Club where l worked as an intern for twelve months as part of the golf course crew.”
“When l came back to the UK and Carden Park, l continued with my education, completing my level 3 and then my assessors award so l could train and support other members of the team. l worked my way up and was promoted to Deputy Head Greenkeeper on the Nicklaus course. After over nine years in total at Carden Park, l decided to make a move.”
“l was offered the position of Golf Course Superintendent at the La Torre golf resort in Murcia, Spain. I was responsible for all the management of the golf course crew, maintenance, equipment, planning, projects and budget. I was in Spain for over three and half years when, for variety of reasons, l decided to move back to the UK. l applied for a position with Myerscough, initially l was in the South of England for the first year and then a fellow tutor wanted to swap areas with me, so this gave me the opportunity to move closer to home. l now cover the area from Manchester to Birmingham.”
What would be your career highlights to date?
“I have been lucky to work with some great people and in some great locations. l can say l have friends in the industry around the world. l have been able to travel with my job and this has led to some great experiences.”
“My year working at Augusta National Golf Club was an amazing opportunity and l learnt a huge amount. l return each year as a volunteer for the Masters Tournament which l absolutely love to do. This year will be my 13th Masters. l have always cut greens during the tournament and, even though the days are really long and can be hard work, walking many miles a day - especially if we have bad weather - when l am cutting greens as the sun comes up over the golf course, it’s a very special feeling. It is a highlight of my year as many of us that work that week return each year, so we all know each other well and it’s great to catch up with my friends from all over the world. I am in Augusta history books for naming the ‘freaky mow’ which really is my claim to greenkeeping fame!”
“Another highlight has to also be when l made the huge move over to Spain and working with Sylvain Duval; it was a great experience for me as l learnt so much and developed my skills and knowledge."
PC APRIL/MAY 2014 I 139
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