Golf
GETTING Personal...
Andrew Hatcher - wouldn’t be the quietest dinner party you had ever been to. He should be so lucky; lucky, lucky, lucky!
If you could go anywhere right now, where would it be? Canada.
What’s the best part of your job? Seeing the finished results at the end of the week.
… and the worst? When bunkers are washed down after being raked.
Do you go to bed worrying about the next day's workload? On occasions in my first few years as head greenkeeper, but not more.
Do you have a lifetime ambition? To remain healthy.
Who are you? Andrew Hatcher, Head Greenkeeper at Coed-Y- Mwstwr Golf Club.
Family status? Married to Paula.
Who’s your hero and why? My parents, just for who I am.
What would you change about yourself? My height.
What’s your guilty pleasure? Kylie.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far? Becoming head greenkeeper, and being part of the support team for the 2010 Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor.
Which three people, living or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? Kylie Minogue, Will Smith and Chris Evans.
If you could be anyone for a day, who would it be and why? Richard Branson, he starts something, then looks to see if it works; if not, he starts something new. Nice to be able to do that.
Do you have any bad habits? Breaking wind.
... or any good ones? Loads, too many to mention.
What are you reading at the moment? Safe House by Chris Ewan.
What are your pet peeves? Body odour; there’s no excuse.
16 I PC OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
Favourite record, and why? Any Genesis album, just great musicians.
Who would you choose to spend a romantic evening with? My wife (preferably Kylie).
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? Have a party and then, depending on the amount won, travel the world and purchase a supercar.
If you were to describe yourself as a musical instrument, what would you be and why? A piano, subtle and precise.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given? Treat people the way you would want to be treated.
What’s your favourite smell? Wild garlic.
What do you do in your spare time? Play golf, cardio training.
What’s the daftest work related question you have ever been asked? Golfers asking “why are you following me?”
What’s your favourite piece of kit? Dakota spinner topdresser.
What three words would you use to describe yourself? Dedicated, passionate, easygoing.
What talent would you like to have? To be able to sing. Apparently all Welshmen can sing; not me!
we have certainly seen an increase in the amount of bees around the hives.” Clearly, the trials and
tribulations of tight budgets and the Welsh weather have not dampened Andrew’s passion for the industry. “I believe we are in a healthy position, education wise, and the advances in machinery, plus the technical support we are provided, is excellent.” “The industry is doing well again, although some clubs in our area seem to be struggling more than in other parts of the country, where there are obviously many that are excelling.” “From a personal perspective, I
believe we have all felt undervalued at some point; golfers not appreciating what we
do, whilst salaries have never been ideal for regular greenkeepers. But we must keep our heads held high with pride.” And how would he raise our
profile? “That’s a difficult one. Without sounding negative, I believe we are all professionals; it is the lack of understanding that members and guests have about how much effort goes into delivering a high quality product, sometimes with limited resources, so I suppose better communication.” To that end, Andrew generally
interacts with members with a newsletter a few times year, has a dedicated notice board and also uses social media. “I think we still need to educate golfers,” he concludes.
What’s in the shed?
Toro 5610 fairway mower Toro 3400 TriFlex
Toro Greensmaster 3250 TriFlex Hybrid x 2 Toro Groundsmaster 4000-D Toro Reelmaster 3100 Toro Groundsmaster 223-D ToroWorkman truck Toro MDX truck Toro Greenspro roller Toro Procore 660 Aerator Kubota tractor with loader Sweep N Fill Brush Hardi 400l Sprayer Sisis tractor mounted scarifier
Dakota Turf Tender 410 mounted topdresser
Thatchaway sarrel roller (one set)
Bernhard Express Dual 2000
Strimmer x 2 (one with attachments) “General machinery
maintenance is carried out in- house, including servicing. Repairs and suchlike are outsourced to a local mechanic and Ted Hopkins Ltd., who are based near Newport.
During my first few years of employment, the machinery was in a poor state and was constantly needing repairs. We looked at various suppliers whilst the club worked on a financial package to suit.
We eventually invested in Toro machines from Ted Hopkins and are currently half way through our second 5-year replacement plan with them.
Whilst we are loyal to Toro, we also purchase other individual pieces of machinery as necessary.
We hire in a verti-drain with operator and an excavator for any project work we might be doing.
Next on the list is a wash down area.”
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