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By Press Release in Training on 28th Sep 2005 10:10
Ross hits new heights through GTC Training
Press Release
Troon golf enthusiast Ross Page has reached the highest levels in greenkeeping - thanks to Greenkeepers Training Committee (GTC) approved training centres.
Ross started his greenkeeping career as a trainee at the municipal courses in Troon in 1995. During this time, he took part in the South Ayrshire Council Skillseeker programme and after three years, gained his National Certificate in Greenkeeping.
This led to him a position at The Wentworth Club, where he learnt to apply his skills in order to prepare courses for world class tournaments. These included the Volvo PGA, World Matchplay Championship and the Edinburgh Senior Masters, under the expert tutelage of Course Manager, Chris Kennedy.
"I could not have reached this level in greenkeeping without initially honing my skills through the Skillseeker programme, and being inspired by Course Lecturer, Gordon McGinn, on realising and achieving my dreams," said Ross.
Due to his determination and desire to fulfill his dreams, Ross decided to travel across the pond to Harbour Town Golf Links, South Carolina, one of the most prestigious, highly ranked and manicured golf clubs in the world.
Here he learnt how to work in a transitional climate incorporating both cool and warm season grasses. This meant achieving the playability characteristics necessary for the highest standards in golf course presentation. Ross became third in charge at the Harbour Town Links until he decided on a new challenge in Portugal.
He worked for Southern Golf, the largest golf course construction company in Europe, and participated in the building of Southern Golf's largest and most expensive project. The Victoria Golf Club in Vilamoura is now open and is due to host the World Golf Championship in November this year.
Ross then enrolled at the GTC approved training centre at Elmwood, Scotland, to study the HNC and HND in Golf Course Management. This usually takes two years to complete, but Ross decided to challenge himself again and completed both courses within a year. He is only the second person to achieve this feat.
"This was an important decision for me as I needed to further my education but also wanted to get back into the industry quickly," he said. "The main reason to complete it so quickly was to ensure a placement in the MSc Sports Surface Technology course at Cranfield University."
Course tutor, Alex Vickers, said; "Ross has worked extremely hard and has adjusted to academic study very well. This is testament to the quality of the training and education he has previously received. It's not easy to pick up the high level academic study skills required for effective learning, as well as the technical and engineering principles required for the MSc."
Ross is coming to the end of the one year course, which is recognised as the highest academic qualification in the greenkeeping industry in Europe.
Due to Ross' continual dedication, he has secured a position as Second Assistant Superintendent at McArthur Golf Club in Florida, one of the most exclusive private clubs in the States.
Read more articles in Training, by Press Release or from September 2005.
