GOLF
We are extremely fortunate in having inherited a
”
strong, passionate team that is in tune with our vision for Chipstead -
Percival, Javahn Herod, Simon Torkington and Bomber the squirrel/crow scarer
explains. “He doesn’t go sick and is never late. I try to tell him he could have a fantastic career in the sector.”
Sam adds, “Simon undertakes everything that doesn’t require a licence. Money isn’t the issue with the club as, if he became qualified, we would pay the wage. Every week I wonder if he has handed in his notice.” “When the inevitable happens though, we’ll have to replace him with a Level 2 at least, as a I can’t afford to lose that skills base.”
Chris Shepherd, 29, “clicked on contact” when Sam interviewed him in June 2017 for a greenkeeper’s post. “Another team member who is keen and popular, Chris plays golf at Horton Park, Epsom but has no real industry experience as such.” The potential was evident though. “I fast-
tracked him and he’s started his Level 2 at Hadlow College in November - where Jack also attends. “Chris asks lots of questions, loves riding mowers in shorts and T-shirt and swears this is the career for him, so I have high hopes for him.”
Newest recruit to Chipstead’s green team is apprentice Jovahn Herod, 19. “A young
lad from Croydon, Addington, he’s related to Jack through Jack’s fiancée. We were searching for a summer casual and he hit the mark straightaway.” “First tasks like trimming the pop-ups
“didn’t sway him”, says Sam. “He’s certainly keen and has graduated to machinery. By the end of next year, he’ll be a regular greenkeeper and says he’s found his career here.” Working closely with Gary and Sam, and the kitchen and bar staff, is enabling the club’s new owners to power forward to improve course presentation and the clubhouse offering. “We are extremely fortunate in having inherited a strong, passionate team that is in tune with our vision for Chipstead - working in unison with the golf side,” says Raman. “Members have told us how dedicated Sam and the greens team are. It’s just a shame that the required investment hadn’t been made before now, but we are making every pound invested work as hard as it can to move the club forward, like looking to align contracts across the board, including course machinery, and win better deals with suppliers.”
L-r: Chris Shepherd, Sam Bethell, Jack
working in unison with the golf side
Decisions had been made “short term”, she adds. “Now we are working with Sam to plan for the next five to ten years, whilst meeting his immediate needs.” “This is such a lovely club with a great friendly face and community spirit, but few who live even half a mile away know that it exists. We all aim to change that.”
What’s in the shed? John Deere 2500E
Toro 3250 Greensmaster with extracut brush
Toro 5410 Reelmaster Toro 3100 Reelmaster Toro 3500 Groundmaster Toro 4000 Groundmaster John Deere ProGator 2030A John Deere XPX Gator Toro MDX Workman Tym 503 tractor Toro GM1000 pedestrian mowers x 2 Smithco Ultra Lite roller Dakota 410 topdresser John Deere HD200 sprayer Wessex STC 180 sweeper Toro Procore 648 Sweep n Fill brush Greentek Aeroquick slitter Redexim Verti Drain 7215 Agrimetal TB 280 blower Greentek verti-cut units Toro Hoverpro hover mowers x 2
Various Stihl blowers, strimmers and chainsaws
PC December/January 2019 29
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