Golf
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I was a keen golfer during my school days and that played a part. I was never going to be a pro, so I went for the next best thing - greenkeeping!
Greens are prone to flooding, but drain quickly Pitchcare: Tell us a bit about your role.
Gary Douglas: I’ve been here for seventeen months and am the only full time member of staff. Through the winter, I am pretty much on my own but, during the summer, the club has a scheme with HM Prison Castle Huntly; they usually give me an extra pair of hands to help out during the busy months. Elmwood College also offer us students who are completing their work experience during their NC courses.
Being a small club I don’t have the luxury of agronomists or contractors, but I get good service from Kenny Liddle from Turf Amenity Solutions who carries out my soil testing on my greens and gives me advice on the way forward regarding selecting the appropriate products.
Presentation is important
I was fortunate enough to be asked to act as greens convenor, so this allows me to present the committee with a budget, after consultation with my small sub-committee group
” Gary fairway mowing - he’s become impressed with John Deere and their back-up 16 I PC APRIL/MAY 2016
I try to do all the basic servicing and repairs myself. Anything major I usually use Double A Trading, the local John Deere dealer, who are just down the road; their service is good. I have other contacts at other places I have worked with in the past, and they do some of my sharpening for me.
How did you get into the industry and where did you work prior to your current position?
I was a keen golfer during my school days and that played a part. I was never going to be a pro, so I went for the next best thing - greenkeeping! I did a couple of summer jobs at Cupar under Trevor Harris, who is now at the Castle Course in St Andrews. He gave me an insight into the job during my school holidays, even if it was just raking bunkers! Neil Ballingall gave me my first full time position at Fairmont, St Andrews and I learnt a lot from him and his team. I’d also worked at Ladybank and Piperdam, from where I came to Cupar.
I was fortunate to have Elmwood College on my doorstep. I came out of Bell Baxter High School and started my NC full time. Through the years, I have completed my SVQ level 2 and 3 in sports turf, HNC in golf course management, SVQ level 4 in management, as well as my Pa1, Pa2 and Pa6 certificates.
What type of course is it? It’s a 9-hole parkland course on the side of a
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