GOLF


takes me through the course where I then get a glimpse of the beautifully converted flint barn and other Victorian buildings that, in the 19th century, formed the farm element of the Harleyford Estate.


A


As I walk towards the club shop to meet Craig, I can’t help but notice one of many delightful driftwood sculptures by James Doran-Webb. These are dotted around the course providing a great focal point. Craig tells me the owner first saw the sculptures at the Chelsea Flower Show and fell in love with them. James now uses the course to showcase his art.


At fifteen years of age, Craig completed his work experience at Dartmouth Golf and Country Club in Devon in his holidays, influenced by his cricket coach Terry Farkins, who was also the Head Greenkeeper at the time.


“At sixteen, I was offered a youth training scheme, which I accepted. I spent six years at Dartmouth, before it was suggested I should move on to further my career. I moved to Harleyford Golf Club as assistant greenkeeper for one year, but was then offered the chance to return to


s I turn into the entrance to the golf course, I am greeted by a security guard who points me in the direction of the clubhouse. A long driveway


Dartmouth as the first assistant, where I did another four years working closely with the mechanic. A job then came up for a Deputy Course Manager at the Lambourne Golf Club not far from here. They wanted someone with mechanical experience, so I got that job. After two years at Lambourne, a job became available within Crown Golf as deputy course manager, but I knew they were looking for a course manager at the same time, so I went for both jobs. I got the deputy position but, within three months, I was made course manager at Oak Park Golf Club in Surrey. Six years later, I got a phone call from Harleyford asking me to come and sit an interview for the roll of course manager.” Craig has dyslexia but has never let it hold him back when it comes to gaining his qualifications and improving his knowledge. “I found it very difficult to do college work during my first six years at Dartmouth. I never really thought I would make it further than being an assistant. My old boss, Terry Parkins, really pushed me and gave me the confidence to go for it and he has helped me throughout my career. Even when I was at Crown, I would get people to write on the board for me, but over the years my confidence has grown.”


I certainly admire how Craig has not let his dyslexia hold him back. He now holds


Craig Earnshaw


PC June/July 2019


15


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