Student Greenkeepers Celebrate Toro Award Success

Jason is joined by Tom Bromfield from Trentham Golf Club who won the fourth Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award.

The awards, which are hosted by greenkeepers’ association BIGGA, recognise some of the best young talent in the industry and are renowned across the industry for providing career-advancing international experiences for the winners. 

Jason’s prize includes a six-week placement at the University of Massachusetts Winter School for Turf Managers, but that’s not all, as his trip to the USA will also see him visiting the Golf Industry Show in Orlando and visit the Toro factory in Minnesota. 

“I’m incredibly excited to head to the USA and to have the opportunity to learn even more about the greenkeeping industry,” says Jason. “I hope to be able to take what I’ve learned and the experiences this award has provided me with and use them as a stepping stone in my career, so it’s a very exciting time for me.” 

And it’s an exciting time for Rudding Park Golf Club’s course manager, Richard Hollingworth, too. As Jason’s endorser, he will also benefit from Jason scooping the award and will join him at the Golf Industry Show in America as part of an all-expenses paid trip from Toro and Reesink. 

“I’m looking forward to catching up with Jason at the show and finding out how his placement has been,” says Richard. “It will also be very interesting seeing the other side of the industry as part of the trip, but despite the incredible prize, seeing what this process has done for Jason is the most rewarding thing.”

Winner of the Young Award, Tom receives a two-week all-expenses paid trip to Vidauban Golf Club where he will experience the different methods of course management utilised at the exclusive venue. Plus, he receives a further all-expenses paid trip to ‘Continue to Learn’ at BTME and a Toro training course voucher. 

“It will be eye opening to see how Vidauban Golf Club operates from a greenkeeper perspective, but as a really keen golfer I will be interested to see the course from a players’ point of view too!” 

His course tutor from Myerscough College in Preston, Adam Shoesmith, endorsed Tom and as a result has also won a trip to Vidauban Golf Club. 

“I suggested to Tom he should enter the awards because I had faith that he’d be able to go all the way,” says Adam. “For someone so young, he’s incredibly hard working, always listening and not afraid to ask questions. As for my prize, I didn’t even realise that was a part of it, so it was certainly a nice surprise! I’m very much looking forward to the experience.” 

David Cole, managing director from award sponsor Reesink, concludes: “We are very proud of the opportunity for career enhancement and personal development the Student Awards have provided over the years. Seeing the enthusiasm, career passion and commitment from each candidate is truly rewarding and we look forward to seeing what’s next for Jason and Tom.”