Golf Business News – Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year finalists announced

A former IT recruiter, a hotel security guard, a county cricketer and a virtuoso guitarist are among the hosts of the most prestigious awards ceremony in the student greening calendar.

The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and founders and sponsors Toro and Reesink UK have revealed the shortlist for the 2024 Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards. Now in its 35th year, the awards have helped uncover some of the brightest talents in the lawn 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 designed to test their technical knowledge and passion for conservation work. Winners will be awarded in the categories of Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year and Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year.

BIGGA Learning and Development Manager Deb Burnett said: “Whether you're joining the industry fresh out of full-time education or choosing to change careers elsewhere, our finalists are a diverse group, but showcase the incredible talent available in today's golf course industry. . The level of knowledge they have is testament to the quality of training they receive, both on the job and with their training providers, and we look forward to welcoming them all to the finals in Leeds in September in what should be an exciting couple. these days.”

David Timms, National Funding Manager at Reesink UK and a judge for the Young award, said: “We look forward to welcoming back this year's winners from a long list of conservation students who have reached this stage in the past. The discussions this year were at a high level and showed how bright the future of the industry is. On behalf of everyone at Reesink UK and Toro, we wish all the finalists the best of luck and we'll see them in September on the next part of their journey.”

The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year winners are:

Patrick Brown, conservationist at Wentworth Club and student at Berkshire College of Agriculture

Jack Chapman, conservation apprentice at The Grove and student at Capel Manor College

Matt McCreadie, greenkeeper at Tadmarton Heath GC and student at Myerscough College

Jack Vowell, green keeper at Farrington Park GC and student at Bridgwater & Taunton College

Jack Wellings, greenskeeper at JCB Golf & Country Club and student at Myerscough College

The winners of the Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year are:

Morgan Bowen, greenkeeper at Nevill GC and student at North Kent College

Alex Fox, apprentice greenkeeper at Woodhall Spa GC and student at Bishop Burton College

William Moore, a conservation apprentice at Kilworth Springs GC and a student at Myerscough College

Daniel Parker, green keeper at Knighton Heath GC and Sparsholt College

Cameron Redden, apprentice greenskeeper at Strathmore Golf Center and SRUC Elmwood College

To be eligible for the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year category, candidates must have been a greenskeeper for at least 12 months and have studied for a Level 2 Golf Greenkeeper or Level 3 Advanced Golf Greenkeeper qualification.

To be eligible for the Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year category, candidates must be aged 21 or under and studying towards a Level 2 award at the time of application.

More information about the winners can be found on the BIGGA website, where you can find information about the amazing prizes awarded to the winners and their advertisers and the runners-up in each category, including a 10-week placement in one of the prizes. the most influential training courses in the industry.