Golf
“
All the greens staff eat in the clubhouse and I encourage them to be accessible to members and visitors. I also encourage them to play golf as, then, they have a proper ‘feel’ for the course
The 1st tee - all the tees used to be just mounds of earth with a flat top
disadvantages, but it will be good to eventually have them all as USGA spec.” “When I first started out, I received a
tremendous amount of help from Richard Clarke of Trentham Park Golf Club, (sadly now passed away) and Andy Cole has also been a big help to me throughout my development.” Ant continues; “The course is over 110
What’s in the shed?
Toro 3250 greens mower c/w 6 cutting units, 3 for use after topdressing
Toro 3050 petrol greensmower c/w verticut units and TMSystem roller units John Deere 2653A tees mower Toro 6700 fairway mowers x 2 Kioti 551 mid-size tractor
John Deere 4410 compact tractor c/w 72inch underslung mowing deck Pro-flex Progressive rough mower
Ant aims to replace one piece of major mowing machinery each year, which tends to work out at about a six year turnaround on each individual mower.
This autumn/winter Ant is hoping to re- site the workshed to the middle of the course. “At the moment, our machinery space is by the side of the club car park, which means we have to use the car park at all times of the day. That’s not ideal, especially when it’s damp and the machines are dumping grass clippings off the tyres everywhere!”
“I have sole responsibility on all course purchasing. There is no green committee. The buck, as they say, stops with me!”
26 I PC AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014 Ant with son Jack
acres in total and is situated in the valley of the River Blythe. I have a small team here and, so, a lot of the acreage that is not in play is untouched. The flora and fauna are very important here. We had an environmental study done on the course a few years ago and found we have a rare dragonfly that likes our water features. The club is also a member of the Barn Owl Protection Society.” “I have my right-hand man, Don Blacker,
who’s been with me for twenty years and, without him, I’d be a bit lost. He is a fully qualified mechanic and takes care of all the machinery. I am also very lucky to work with my son, Jack, who has just finished his NVQ
Level 2 qualification at Reaseheath.” “That’s all my full time staff, although I
have a part-time greenkeeper and, this year, Johnny Taylor is back over from the States. Johnny used to work here but, two years ago, got an internship at the Robert Trent Jones golf club in Virginia. He’s back in the UK for the summer whilst his work permit gets sorted for his return to the USA.” Ant bemoans the fact that this is the first time in twenty years he has not had an apprentice at the club. “I have had some great results with apprentices - Johnny was one of my former apprentices and, as well as working at RTJ, has even changed the pins on the White House putting green!” All the staff are encouraged to attend as
many educational seminars as possible. “Jack is currently part of the BIGGA CPD programme and tries to attend all Midland’s based education days. We also try to attend any local demo days and seminars throughout the year.” Ant goes on to explain that he is the
course Health and Safety Officer, whilst every
I am also very lucky to work with my son, Jack, who has just finished his NVQ Level 2 qualification at Reaseheath
”
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