Job campaign trade professional launches new sharpening service for golf clubs

Ellie Parryin Industry News

H&S Peter HDuring our 'Find me a job!' campaign, we've been delighted to help a number of groundsmen get back in to work after a period of redundancy.

But permanent full-time employment isn't the only option available to those who find themselves out of work.

If you have a skill to offer and there's the demand for it, self-employment can provide a flexible and fulfilling alternative.

Peter Hampton, an experienced trade professional whom we featured on 17th May, has decided to take the self-employment route offering a flexible new sharpening service for golf clubs.

"I'm offering a tournament-quality sharpening service when clubs need it most," he explains. "Following my sharpening work in preparation for The Wales Open at The Celtic Manor Resort, and at several similar PGA Tournaments, it occurred to me that such a service may be of interest to other golf clubs that have already purchased their own Bernhard Express Dual Sharpening System, particularly when preparing the golf course for the events, tournaments or at times of staff shortages."

"For an agreed daily rate, I can visit the club's workshop, assist with or take over responsibility for the sharpening and setting up of its cylinder mower cutting units, either in an emergency, such as staff illness, loss of your resident mechanic or during that busy preparation period for club tournaments and during special events."

"My service is entirely flexible and I would be pleased to assist in an emergency one-off situation, during busier periods or on a regular contract basis. I will also be offering an in-house training service for the club's own staff in the setting up of cutting units and the safe, accurate use of the Bernhard Express Dual Sharpening System."

Peter has years of experience in demonstrating Bernhard Express Dual and Anglemaster Sharpening Systems, having been involved in supplying the equipment to major golf clubs in the UK and North America, demonstrating at seminars and training dealer mechanics, salesmen and greenkeepers in the use of the grinders at top golfing venues. He has been closely involved with USPGA tournament events, sharpening and setting up large fleets of all makes of mowers for televised golf occasions.

Only a phone call away

Clubs can call on Peter on an as-needed basis with a short lead time to allow for the odd emergency occasions, although longer term planning will assist Peter in planning his diary.

Initially, he will check over the grinders and make sure they are working efficiently before sharpening and will clean them after use. He will also pass on any tips that may help staff get a better result from the club's investment in sharpening machinery.

1950s Ransomes 18 inch Auto Certes on Bco grinderHe has already arranged some regular work with Cumberwell Park Golf Club, in Bradford on Avon, near Bath. He will be assisting the resident workshop technician by taking responsibility for sharpening the fleet of mainly Jacobsen mowers. There are more than 60 cylinder mower cutting units on site needing regular attention.

Peter has done some research in the local area and has received a positive response from many local club who own Bernhard grinders, with many wishing to use his skills to assist with the training of staff and backing up their resident mechanic.

Peter is happy to supply references upon request and you can also view his profile on the LinkedIn website for a detailed summary of my golf industry career to date: LinkedIn profile. He has been involved with lawnmowers since 1963 and has supplied professional mowers since 1970. He also has a large collection of old golf course machinery in preservation and is the current Chairman of The Old Lawnmower Club.

Peter's contact details are shown below. The Pitchcare team would like to wish him every success in his new venture.

Tel: 01225 755864
Mobile: 07804 498527
Email: peter.hampton@blueyonder.co.uk

Thomas opts for further education

Thomas Armstrong, whom we featured on 24th May, has opted to return to college to enhance his employment prospects still further. He has been accepted onto a HNC Horticulture course and is awaiting test dates for his PA1 and PA6 spraying certificates. He is working voluntarily at Mearns Castle Golf Club and intends to complete his PA2 next year. We wish Thomas well with his continuing studies and would still like to hear from anyone who can offer him permanent employment. Please contact ellie@pitchcare.com if you can help. Thank you.

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