Stateside Success for Writtle College Students

Ohio State University, in the USA, has become home to Daniel Weston an ex-Writtle College student. After completing his NVQ level 2 in Sports Turf ahead of the majority in his group, Daniel progressed onto his NVQ Level 3 at the College. Daniel has dyslexia and found Level 3 a challenge, refusing to give up and with support from the College he fought against it remarkably and successfully completed the course in 2005. Proving himself still further Daniel went on to secure himself the post as Head Greenkeeper at Epping Golf club. Daniel, from Epping in Essex, quickly found the desire for his next challenge choosing this time to enrol onto the Ohio state university programme - he has now been there for a year working as an intern at The Pinehurst resort in North Carolina.

Nigel Beckford, Sports Turf lecturer at Writtle College, commented on Daniel's success; "The news about Daniel strikes me hard, giving me the impetus to keep going forward, focusing on the fruits of our labours here at the College. Daniel looks so grown up and totally comfortable with his new found status as a true professional amongst the cream of greenkeeping in the US. Isn't it great when a student takes the initiative and the opportunities presented to them!"

The exciting and challenging professional status that Daniel has accepted in Ohio has inspired another of Writtle College's student's to follow in his footsteps. Greg Knight, NVQ Level 2 and 3 in Sports Turf, has recently made the decision to enrol onto the Ohio State University Programme after completing his Level 3. Greg said

"I made the decision to either continue my studies or to work abroad to gain invaluable experience after completing my NVQ Level 3. My qualification (NVQ3) opened up so many more options to me and I am now looking forward to joining the Ohio State University Programme and gaining my invaluable work experience."

The Ohio State Programme brings 19-28 year old greenkeepers from 32 countries around the world. The trainees gain practical training and an opportunity to attend Ohio State for three months of classes related to the turf grass industry.

Image: Tom Smart, another intern, Steve Wilson, golf superintendent at Pinehurst and Daniel Weston.