2024’s brightest greenkeeping talent

Now in its 35th year, the awards, run by Reesink Turfcare and BIGGA, have helped unearth some of the brightest talents within the turf management industry and laid the foundations for decades of professional success.

Held at Oulton Hall in Leeds on 2-4 September, the finalists will compete in a series of challenges that are designed to test their technical knowledge and passion for the greenkeeping profession. Winners will then be crowned in the categories of Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year and Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year.

Introducing the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year finalists:

• Patrick Brown, greenkeeper at Wentworth Club and student at Berkshire College of Agriculture
• Jack Chapman, apprentice greenkeeper at The Grove and student at Capel Manor College
• Matt McCreadie, greenkeeper at Tadmarton Heath Golf Club and student at Myerscough College
• Jack Vowell, greenkeeper at Farrington Park Golf Club and student at Bridgwater & Taunton College
• Jack Wellings, greenkeeper at JCB Golf & Country Club and student at Myerscough College

Introducing the Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year finalists:

• Morgan Bowen, greenkeeper at Nevill Golf Club and student at North Kent College
• Alex Fox, apprentice greenkeeper at Woodhall Spa Golf Club and student at Bishop Burton College
• William Moore, apprentice greenkeeper at Kilworth Springs Golf Club and student at Myerscough College
• Daniel Parker, greenkeeper at Knighton Heath Golf Club and Sparsholt College
• Cameron Redden, apprentice greenkeeper at Strathmore Golf Centre and SRUC Elmwood College

David Timms, National Accounts Manager at Reesink UK and Young award category judge, said: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming this year’s finalists to the long list of student greenkeepers who have made it to this stage previously. The interviews this year were all of a high calibre and showcased how positive the future of the industry is. On behalf of everyone at Reesink UK and Toro, we wish all the finalists good luck and will see them in September for the next part of their journey.”

Deb Burnett, Learning and Development Manager at The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and joint event organisers, said: “Whether joining the industry fresh from full-time education or opting to switch after a career elsewhere, our finalists are a diverse group, but they demonstrate the extraordinary talent that is present in today’s golf greenkeeping industry. The degree of knowledge they possess is testament to the quality of training they receive, both at work and with their training providers, and we’re looking forward to welcoming them all to the finals in Leeds in September for what stands to be an exciting couple of days.”

More information about the finalists can be found on the BIGGA website, where you can also find information about the incredible prizes on offer for the awards winners and their endorsers and the runners-up in each category, including a 10-week placement on one of the industry’s most influential training courses.