An American dream

American Dreams For Myerscough Students!

By Gemma Keenan

Myerscough College near Preston, Lancashire, is not only gaining an excellent reputation in the UK for achievements in exciting subjects such as Sportsturf and Golf, but is also becoming a well-known name across the Atlantic!

Due to excellent student exchange relationships with both Clemson University in South Carolina and Ohio State University (OSU), several Myerscough Sportsturf and Golf students are enjoying dream placements at the world's most prestigious golf courses, including Olympia Fields Country Club, Illinois, location of the world-famous US Open next week!

Steven Clarke, who is studying for a Higher National Diploma in Turf Science and Golf Course Management, will truly be at the heart of the action, helping to prepare for the prestigious event, when the eyes of the world will watch Tiger Woods attempting to defend his title. Fantastic opportunities such as these are offered through Ohio State University's International Programme, headed in the US by Mike O'Keefe. Myerscough students have the chance of a life-time to gain invaluable, hands-on experience at leading sporting facilities, and where possible, play a key role in the build-up to at least one major competition, before returning to complete their studies the following year.

Last month, Garry Wilkinson, Myerscough's Commercial Manager and David Grecic, Programme Leader for Sport at the College visited the United States with the principle aim of further developing the mutually beneficial programmes, which already involve successful student and staff exchanges, internships and Study Abroad programmes. Included in the busy itinerary were visits to Myerscough students at their placement locations - each were interviewed on camera about their experiences. Whilst visiting Oakmont Country Club, Ohio, Garry and David spoke to the Club's Assistant Superintendent who praised the Myerscough students under his supervision and expressed his hope to welcome more of the College's students in the future.

Mike Haudzan, a leading U.S. golf course architect for Hurdzan-Fry, the fourth largest company in the world based in Ohio, also

This month, as part of a long-standing annual arrangement, Myerscough will welcome Arboriculture students from Clemson University and Landscape Design students from OSU, and a new addition to the ever-developing programme will be a group of Equine students from Clemson, reciprocating the US placements currently being enjoyed by Myerscough students.

David Grecic, Programme Leader for Sport at Myerscough College said, "Following the success of our Sportsturf students on the programme, we are keen to expand the exchange relationship to include other disciplines offered at Myerscough, particularly Golf and Equine. Ideas such as these were met with great enthusiasm at both universities and steps have already been taken to expand provision. Both students and staff at Myerscough can look forward to more exciting opportunities in the States." Mike O' Keefe, OSU International Programme Manager, said, "Compared to other UK College's, Myerscough's Sportsturf students are by far the most predominant at the major golf tournaments here in the US.

No other College placed more students at Augusta in the build up to the Masters and, so far, a Myerscough Sportsturf student will be the only UK student to be involved in the preparations for the next Ryder Cup in September 2004. Myerscough College is gaining remarkable credibility and respect in the US sportsturf and golfing industry." On the 14th and 15th June David Grecic will be speaking about careers in golf and internship opportunities in the USA at the College's 'Golf World in the Park' event in Victoria Park, Southport.

Details of our US student placements: Sportsturf students.

Stephen Clarke - now at Olympia Fields (Chicago) which will host the US Open this year (see press release below for full details of Steven's placement).

Matthew Shinwell - has been at Augusta National (Georgia) which hosts the U.S. Masters each year (April /May) and is now back at Oakmont for the U.S. Amateur.

Richard Gillan - at Pinehurst, location of the 2005 US Open.

Toby Hartmann - just left Sea Pines Resort -he was involved in the PGA Heritage of Golf Tourney at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

John Entwistle - at Double Eagle, near Columbus, ranked second best conditioned course in the country.

Wesley Walker- a past Myerscough Higher National Diploma Sportsturf student -now at Oakmont for the U.S. Amateur Golf students.

Matt Green and Matt Fagan - both at Sea Island. They have already been involved in preparations for the Warburg Cup, which included Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Gary Player.

Myerscough Sportsturf Student Lives The American Dream!

A Sportsturf student from Myerscough College near Preston is currently enjoying a dream placement year at a top golf club in the US. Steven Clarke, who is studying for a Higher National Diploma in Turf Science and Golf Course Management, is based at Olympia Fields Country Club, near Chicago, chosen host of the prestigious US Open Golf Tournament this year.

During his placement Steven will also spend time in Florida, where he will work with warm season grasses at Quail West Golf Course, Naples. On Stephen's return to Olympia Fields in March 2003 he will truly be at the heart of the action, helping to prepare for the world-famous US Open, where the eyes of the world will watch Tiger Woods attempt to defend his title.

Steven, age 20 from Blackpool, says, "I am currently working alongside a ground crew of sixty people helping in the general upkeep and maintenance of the two 18-hole courses at Olympia Fields. I'm having a great time here in the US as well as gaining invaluable hands-on experience of my future profession. I will certainly complete my final year with a new perspective on my subject." Colin Stanfield, Programme Leader for Sportsturf at Myerscough said, "Golf tournaments don't get any bigger than the US Open, and Olympia Fields is one of the best golf courses in the US. Student placements simply can't get better than this! We are extremely pleased that Steven has been given this wonderful opportunity."

Mike O'Keeffe, Program Manager of The Ohio State Program saw the potential in Steven and designed a program, which allows him to experience both cool and warm season grasses. Mike says, " This is an opportunity of a life time for Steven. He will gain a huge amount of experience and knowledge in such a short period of time, dramatically increasing his employability when he has completed his studies."

For further information on the wide range of Sportsturf courses on offer at Myerscough College contact Course Enquiries on 01995 642211 or alternatively contact Colin Stanfield, Programme Leader for Sportsturf on (01995) 642305 or e-mail: cstanfield@myerscough.ac.uk