17 Apr 2007 by ashley williams
Howdy,
I've just been approached by a local golf course that requires green keepers... I've read up about the position a little more but I'm worried my experience will stop me from getting the job.
All I do is casually garden, and I think I'll miss the job on that part... But the application they posted about the job doesn't have any requirements, other than an interest in Horticultural.
So, can anyone give me some little information on the popular grass types and so on used in the UK :)
Thanks.
Greetings.
I found myself in a similar position at the end of last year when I was offered the maintenance of a bowling green. I have been involved in more than just casual gardening up until now, infact I gave up the gardening bit ages ago in order to specialise in lawns.
The point I want to make is that the club know who they are after, and it is there problem weather you are an experienced green green keeper or not. Just be yourself and be honest with them.
There is plenty of help available to you if you are keen to learn; get in touch with Perryfields (01386791102) if you want advice on grass varieties, I have always found them helpful.
Good luck with your interview, let me know how it goes.
Head Tea Boy
17 Apr 2007 by Sumomosr Last edited 17 Apr 2007
Everyone has to start somewhere and experience in gardening (even casual) is a lot better than none at all.
If you show a willingness to learn and they accept you as a trainee then that must be a good lead in to the profession.
Telling them you have joined this site is a good thing too. (At least it should be 
).
Edit: Good Luck and welcome to PC.
GOGGA
As long as you are prepared to listen and learn, then that is the most important thing.
Un qualified \ inexperienced staff that can be " moulded" by managers are just as important as qualified or highly experienced staff who may have different ways or methods of doing things, either rightly or wrongly!!
Just be honest in the interview, say you know very little about golf or the grasses used,or the maintenance, as if you try and blag it you will just look a fool.
Try and give some of your experiences involving the lawns you maintain, why certain tasks are carried out at certain times of the year, and not at other times etc.
A positive attitide to work and a desire to learn is much better tha trying to bulls*** your way through an interview, especially when the person doing the interview will (should) know his stuff.
Good Luck
I started greenkeeping 2 1/2 years ago coming straight out of doing a geography degree, and had no experience of greenkeeping or horticulture whatsoever (unless you count mowing my parents lawn experience). I am now coming to the end of my NVQ level 3 course.
I to was worried about having no experience but was surprised at how quickly i learnt the ropes, and before long was studying it at college. as long as your willing to learn and try new things you can't go wrong.
It was a big jump for me and a complete u-turn in what i thought i'd be doing five years ago, but can honestly say it was the best thing i've ever done.
Good luck, i hope you gain the same experiences i have.
18 Apr 2007 by ashley williams
Thanks guys, I'll get back to you all later and tell you how it goes... I'll be as honest as I can and will take note of the willingness to learn.
Thanks for all your replies.
Some of the best staff I have ever had have been people like yourself. No qualifications, no prior experience but a passion for the job and a willingness to learn. A fair few have gone on to be course managers themselves. Come and enjoy a sometimes fraustrating, but wonderful industry.
Chris
You will never see a statue in honour of a committee.
18 Apr 2007 by Big D
Chris
Totally agree. It is terribly frustrating at times, but once your in the industry, you really dont want to leave. The rewards far outweigh the drawbacks.
The comradarie, the genuinely nice people you meet, the advice you get (FOC) whether you ask for it or not along with the satisfaction you get, make this THE best industry going.
Big D
18 Apr 2007 by Dunk
Well if that doesn't cheer everyone up in the industry nothing will! - well said you lot and although I am now on 'the dark side' I still love it too.
Your comments on inexperience of the job, but willingness to learn, reminded me of a Course Manager from Canada I met at a conference some time ago - he employed a guy that served him at a restaurant as his deputy because of his manner and attention to detail (Frank Newberry would call it 'attitude and disposition') - the guy had never even been on a golf course before!
Result was one of the best staff members he had ever worked with and that person moved on to become a well respected Course Manager in his own right.
Good luck becan sodine - I'm sure you will do well.
Regards - Duncan
18 Apr 2007 by ashley williams Last edited 18 Apr 2007
Thanks Chris, Big D and Duncan!
It seems an interesting area to work in after doing some more research and now I'm more eager than before about getting this job.
Thanks again!
i am a head greenkeeper and i'll agree with much that has been said already when running a golf course you are looking for staff members who are enthusiastic and willing to learn and will fit in well with the other staff ....so sometimes ---- nay many times personality far out weighs experiance for a junior post ....i have a guy who worked for me every summer for 3 years , had only ever worked in factories , 50 years old came to the golf club and loved it one of the best people i have worked with would do anything for you because he appretiated the differance in working conditions ....so go for it be honest and just show enthusiasm and personality and you will go far
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