Greenkeeper finalist in national awards

August 13 2018 | Golf

 

William Curran, who has worked at Hever Castle Golf Club since May 2016, has been named as a finalist in the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award 2018, run by the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association.

The 28-year-old, who is known as Will, joined the golf course as temporary summer staff before starting a Level 2 greenkeeping apprenticeship in May 2017 run in conjunction with Hadlow College.

The apprenticeship is a mixture of hands on learning under the guidance of golf course Head Greenkeeper Rob Peers and assignments.

Will’s course tutor at Hadlow College, Anthony Stockwell nominated him for the Greenkeeper of the Year Award and following the application he was named a regional finalist before undergoing a rigorous interview to be named one of six finalists.

The national final, which takes place on 17 and 18 September, will see Will have to take part in another interview, an essay based question and a questionnaire before a winner is chosen.

He explains what the greenkeeper award means to him: “Before I did this job I was a police officer. It’s nice to have come somewhere new, started afresh and achieved something that I would not have dreamed possible. To get to the final is a real achievement.”

“I love being outside and I really enjoy doing the job I am doing.”

Will was also presented with the Apprenticeship Ambassador award by Hadlow College in July.