Lawn Tennis
“
It’s only the top venues where the TV cameras and national press go and we need to be pushing ourselves in front of them at every opportunity. Certainly, that’s what I endeavour to do
groundsmen were about to head off to the allotments. Now, we are much better presented, and rightly so. As far as I’m concerned, a groundsman is equally as important as any other staff member - IT, CEO or directors - and the playing surfaces are the lifeblood of the facilities, so we should present ourselves accordingly, which we are now doing.
I believe it is the responsibility of groundsmen and greenkeepers at the top venues to grab every opportunity they can to promote the industry. It is our duty. That’s who the journalists and commentators will listen to. It’s only the top venues where the TV cameras and national press go and we need to be pushing ourselves in front of them at every opportunity. Certainly, that’s what I endeavour to do.
Moving on to the Championships; how many staff work during the tournament?
It’s the same as normal. We have our sixteen core groundstaff, two of whom are mechanics and two irrigation engineers. In April, we will supplement this with an additional twelve staff, some of whom return regularly. For example, we’ve got one guy who specialises in bowls greens. He heads off working around the world from October and then comes back to us in spring. He’s fitted in really well and understands our ethos. Having people like him means they already know the ropes.
We also have three or four students, just so we can gauge what’s out there. It also helps them. I know this is Utopia for some, and they may get a shock when they enter the real world, but it shows what they can work
towards and how well the British groundsman can put on these events. If they get the bug and want to stay in the industry, then we have done our job.
Some of the guys come from other sports and/or abroad and often come with fresh ideas. We are not a closed shop and always welcome their input.
What was the daily maintenance regime on the courts during the Championships?
Once the Championships start, there’s not a lot we can do. Each morning we cut and mark out the Championship courts and this process is repeated on the practice courts in the evening. The STRI are here for the week preceding and during the tournament and they provide us with daily readings on such things as Clegg hammer tests and chlorophyll
I know this is Utopia for some, and they may get a shock when they enter the real world, but it shows what they can work towards and how well the British groundsman can put on these events
” 72 I PC AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
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