Golf
“
What is your official title?
The professionalism of the people involved in greenkeeping has risen so much; the younger greenkeepers at the top are so much better educated thanks, in no small measure, to BIGGA and people such as Walter Woods, Cecil George, Elliot Small and Jimmy Neilson, to name but a few, who pushed so hard for this back in the 1970s and 80s
I am the Director of Greenkeeping, St Andrews Links Trust. Tournaments fall under the remit of another of my fellow Directors, who used to work for the European Tour. Obviously, I still get involved in aspects of the various tournaments we stage, which includes a number of our own annual tournaments as well as the Open, Alfred Dunhill Links Championship etc., whether it’s discussing matters with the organising bodies, taking things through Committees or helping out with setting the course up in the morning.
What sports were you involved with in your younger days - did you play golf?
Yes, I’ve played golf since I was about eleven years old, which is over forty years! I was as low as 1 before I contracted rheumatoid arthritis when I was twenty-six. I still play a lot and my handicap varies between 4 and 5. I used to play badminton, five-a side football and run, all just socially, but the arthritis put paid to that, although I still like to try and keep reasonably fit as I also have diabetes. If I was a horse, I’d probably be put down!
How did you become a greenkeeper?
I loved golf, but didn’t fancy turning professional, although I was asked. One, I wasn’t good enough and two, in those days in the North East of Scotland, there were no opportunities to play, so I would have been
stuck in a shop.
I did reasonably well at school but didn’t fancy university. My family had a farm and I left school to work on it. Although I enjoyed that, the farm was never going to come to me and, also, I wasn’t able to play golf as much. The local club, Fraserburgh Golf Club, offered me an apprenticeship and said they would put me through college. By that time, my friends were all having a great time at university and I thought I was missing out, so I took the opportunity (and a pay cut)!
How long have you worked at St Andrews?
After fifteen years at Fraserburgh, I moved to St Andrews in 1991 as Head Greenkeeper on the Eden Course. There were only four courses on the Links then. Although the Strathtyrum and the 9 hole Balgove were built, they were only just being grown in.
I was promoted to my current role in October 2000 following the untimely death of my predecessor, Ian Forbes whose title was Links Manager. Ian had held that role since 1995 following the retirement of Walter Woods.
What would you consider has been the highlight of your career so far?
Getting promoted to my current position would certainly be the biggest achievement.
As far as highlights, there have been so many - two Opens and two Ladies Opens, being involved in building The Castle Course - they
Becoming the Director of Greenkeeping at ‘The Home of Golf’ can only mean one thing; you are at the very top of your game. It is a position that Gordon Moir has held since the turn of the century and, in this keynote interview, he discusses how he came to be working at the world’s most iconic golf venue, how the industry has changed during his time and what the future might hold
12 I PC AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
KEYNOTE interview
Gordon Moir, St Andrews Links Trust
THE
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