Michael Boyes is the top Turfgrass student at Myerscough college graduation ceremony

… and Stephen Hull wins Ransomes Jacobsen's Further Education Award

Michael Boyes, Assistant Golf Course Superintendent at the Trump International Golf Club in Dubai, is this year's recipient of the Ransomes Jacobsen-sponsored best student award at Myerscough College.

For the past two years, Michael has been studying for his BSc Sportsturf Science and Management degree and graduated this summer. By his own admission he was a 'late starter' entering the industry in 2005 at the age of 35.

"With many of my peers half my age I have striven to progress both professionally and academically playing 'catch up' on both fronts," he said. "I completed my NVQ Levels II and III Greenkeeping in record time and have twice been a Regional finalist in Toro's Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award. I worked as Senior Greenkeeper/Spray Technician at The Grove before moving to Spain to work on Jack Nicklaus Design courses as Golf Course Supervisor. Following that I was Assistant in Training (AIT) at Loch Lomond Golf Club. In 2013 I completed my Foundation Degree in Sportsturf and was fortunate enough to be awarded the Barenbrug Turf Award for the highest marks in my year.

"I have a thirst for knowledge and through volunteering at tour events I have been able to gain valuable experience and take advantage of the networking opportunities that this brings. I have just enrolled for the new MA Sustainable Golf Course Management, so it seems studying is in my blood!

"I'm delighted to be the 2015 recipient of the Ransomes Jacobsen award and I'm looking forward to joining the BIGGA Future Turf Managers' Initiative next spring, which is part of a winning package.

Course tutor Stewart Brown, "Michael is an excellent student and one of our R&A Scholars. He has a fantastic work ethic and consistently produced work of an excellent standard. He has completed his BSc (Hons) degree in two years and thoroughly deserves this Higher Education accolade, sponsored by Ransomes Jacobsen."

Stephen Hull, who completed his BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sportsturf won the Ransomes Jacobsen Further Education Award.

Course Tutor David Leach commented, "Stephen gained a distinction in every module on this course, which is extremely rare. Practically he is brilliant and was a real leader within the group. He runs a turf and gardening business and is also a part-time firefighter. Given the right opportunity he will forge a great career in the turfgrass industry."

For more information, visit www.jacobsen.com.