GOLF


© Lunar Aerial Imaging


I asked Phil what led him to come back over to sunny England? “I had achieved what I wanted to out there; I had my fun and, in between jobs, I went travelling. When I got back to the UK that winter, I worked at Royal Lytham Golf Club for the Walker Cup then managed to get a job as First Assistant at Tytherington Golf Club in Macclesfi eld, where I worked for six months, before moving to Prestbury Golf Club in a similar role. Whilst at Prestbury, I completed my Foundation Degree and learned a lot from the club’s Course Manager, Mark Crossley.” “After a short time, I heard that Mark Hillaby, who was Head Greenkeeper here at the time, was moving on and I fancied a pop at applying for the position as I felt it was my time to step up into a managerial role, having gained a lot of experience in the industry. I came for my fi rst interview, got through to the second interview, where I had to give a big presentation, and I am grateful I got the role. I have enjoyed it so far, but 2020 was a freak year and one of the most challenging


years I have ever had in greenkeeping, but I have loved the responsibility in challenging times. I’m very fortunate to have a fantastic team here who assist me in presenting a golf course that we can be proud of.” Helping Phil maintain the course to his high standards is thirty-eight year old, Chris Moores, Deputy Course Manager/Mechanic, six years served and has an NVQ Level 3 in Sports Turf plus spraying certifi cates; twenty years old, Tom Silcock, Assistant Greenkeeper, four years served, NVQ Level Two in Sports Turf plus spraying certifi cates; twenty-six year old, Ross Giles, Assistant Greenkeeper, three months served, NVQ Level 2 in Sports turf and PA1.


Phil describes the site as being a parkland course in nature although the top of the course consisting of eleven holes also have characteristics that depict a heathland environment with gorse, pockets of heather and fi ner grasses. The bottom seven holes are more of a typical parkland environment consisting of heavy clay-based soils and


mature trees.


Construction of the greens is varied around the course, as Phil explains. “We have a few older greens which are soil push- ups, some are sand-based with drainage, and we have a USGA spec green at the bottom. This gives us three diff erent profi les to work with, so we try and micro-manage the best we can, adjusting fertiliser inputs, techniques and products accordingly.” The club’s Toro irrigation system is getting dated and, ideally, Phil would love to have the budget available to replace it. But, for now, it is a matter of make do and mend. “The system is still fully functional, and we have pop-ups on the greens and two tees. We will fi x any leaks and replace sprinkler heads if and when needed.” The course is situated on a hill at the edge of the peak district; this comes with its advantages and disadvantages. “We can get some pretty adverse weather conditions; high winds, spells of heavy rain and cold temperatures, but the plus side of being on a hill helps the top of the course drain very well, whereas the bottom course at the foot of the hill stays a lot wetter. In winter, we tend to use a twelve hole course, which helps protect the wetter holes and the


Left to right: Tom Silcock, Ross Giles, Phil Worth and Chris Moores 24 PC April/May 2021


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