GOLF


Tony Hunter


T


ony Hunter got into the sports turf industry by chance. He was a chef at Cherwell Edge Golf Club in Banbury, which is also owned by the current owner of Silverstone Golf Club, when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, an uncommon cancer that develops in the lymphatic system, a network of vessels and glands that spread throughout the body. “This meant I was off work for some time,” begins Tony, “and, when it was time to go back to work, I wasn’t able to go back into the kitchen because of the pressure of the work. Thankfully, the owner offered me the opportunity to work as a greenkeeper and I snapped up the offer. I thought It was ideal for me with the job being outside.”


Since beginning his greenkeeping career twelve years ago, Tony has risen through the ranks. “I first started cutting the rough and fixing the irrigation system. When the head greenkeeper left, I was promoted to deputy working under the new head


greenkeeper as I knew my way around the course. Whilst at Banbury, I took the opportunity to get my NVQ Level 2 in sports turf. When the owner bought the Silverstone Golf Club, he rang me and asked me to be the head greenkeeper. My initial reaction was ‘do I have a choice?’ to which he replied ‘no, not really’! So, now, instead of walking over the road from my home to get to work, I have to drive in!”


Only having a few years’ experience under his belt, Tony was thrown in at the deep end somewhat. “It has been challenging at times, and there are always ups and downs as anyone working in this industry will tell you. But, as long you know the primary principles and are willing to learn and follow the advice of the many experts in the industry you can call upon, I have managed to provide a well-manicured course.”


The club has a somewhat different set up when it comes to the day to day running and its finances; one I have not come across in


We try our best to maintain the course during the Grand Prix, but we do end up on gate duties etc. It will be a welcome break for my team to not have to deal with working around the campers


PC August/September 2020 21


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