Golf What might appear, to some, to be a
rather disparate greenkeeping crew is, in reality, a well-led, highly-motivated and hard- working team, according to club secretary, Clive Day. “The idea of hiring a self-employed course manager on a fixed-term contract was initially Robert’s idea,” he said. “He’d heard about the vacancy when playing golf as a club member and asked if he could present a proposal for the committee’s consideration.” “Quite simply, he believed that the
variable seasonal demands placed on the golf course, and the resulting fluctuating income levels, required a flexible approach to course management and maintenance that he was prepared to oversee and deliver.” Almost a year into his contract, Robert has shown that the job can be carried out very successfully by applying disciplined, yet adaptable methods that are not reliant on working the same hours on the same days, week in, week out. This has brought important benefits, for
“
Specific course maintenance tasks are now being carried out in more favourable conditions and in less of a rush than previously
example, when implementing seasonal maintenance programmes. Having a flexible working contract provides Robert with the freedom to work at any time, including weekends and evenings, to carry out, catch up on or complete outstanding tasks, as and when he feels necessary and, ideally, when conditions are at their best. “From the club’s viewpoint, the
arrangement is working extremely well,” commented Clive. “Specific course maintenance tasks are now being carried out in more favourable conditions and in less of a rush than previously, when staff were often following a fixed, pre-planned timetable. As a result, it appears that greenkeeping has become more enjoyable and rewarding, highlighted by the fact that the course is now looking and playing consistently better than it has for many years.” Although he is a competent golfer and
committee member at Cardigan Golf Club, Robert willingly admits that he is neither an experienced nor qualified greenkeeper. However, the administrative and practical hands-on skills he gained previously within engineering and farming have, he feels, provided him with a solid foundation to direct a team responsible for maintaining and preparing a golf course for which ambitions are very high. Robert has a degree in agriculture, with
emphasis on management, and worked in civil engineering following the sale, in 2011,
Viewed from the tee, the 164 yard 16th hole is regarded by many as the most scenic on the course. The green is located a little above and to the left of the buggy and is guarded by bunkers front right and on the left side
PC APRIL/MAY 2014 I 23
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