Students enjoy hands-on operation

Myerscough College Sportsturf - Another Year Of Success!

By Gemma Keenan

At the recent Myerscough College Presentation of Awards Ceremony the endeavours of successful students were honoured by prizes awarded from leading Sportsturf industry organisations

The prize winning students:

Andrew Maden from Blackpool was awarded the Rufford Topdress Cup (Sportsturf Management Award) onsuccessful completion of his National Diploma in Sportsturf.

Andrew gained valuable work experience during his studies at the Royal Birkdale Golf Course where he has now gained full time employment. His future plans are to become the course manager at one of the elite golf courses in the British Isles or North America.

Christopher spent the work placement period of his course at the Hurlingham Club and also at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Experience at these elite sportsturf venues proved invaluable to Christopher's studies and helped towards securing this first prize award.

Christopher has progressed to study for a BSc (Hons) degree in Sportsturf Science.

Andrew Lynch from Burnley was awarded the on successful completion of his National Diploma in Sportsturf.

Andrew showed particular competence in the use of a wide range of Sportsturf machinery both at college and whilst on placement with the Ohio State University International Programme in Florida. Andrew commented, "Not only was the social life at Myerscough excellent, the career opportunities and education and teaching standards were also excellent."

His future plans are to become the course manager at one of the elite golf courses in the British Isles or North America. Photo shows Andrew (left) with Trevor Chard of TORO

Andrew showed particular competence in the use of a wide range of sportsturf machinery and gained additional qualifications from the National Proficiency Test Council (NPTC) to prove his skills. Thomas commented, "Everyone at Myerscough is so friendly and helpful that I want to stay in green keeping."

In fact this has proved to be the case as Thomas is now employed as a greenkeeper.

Barry Wright from Warrington was awarded the Martyn Jones Award (First Academic Prize) on successful completion of the BSc (Hons) Sportsturf Science.

Barry undertook twelve months of work experience as part of his degree studies which allowed him to put theory into practice. For his Honours research project he investigated the use of alter native materials for Rootzone Construction. Barry comments, "The staff I have met and friends I have made at Myerscough have furthered my incentive to gain experience around the world."

In fact Barry is fulfilling this expectation with plans to gain further experience on top 100 golf courses in North America.

Keith undertook the course as a part time student whilst working as assistant greenkeeper at a number of local courses. He was fortunate to receive support from the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) which enabled him to continue his studies and contributed in a significant way to his success.

Keith comments, "There is good access to information available through a variety of sources such as staff, the library and fellow students. I want to continue and work as a Head Greenkeeper or similar position in the sportsturf industry." In fact Keith has been successful in gaining a course manager's position since graduating from the course. Photo shows Keith Scruton (left) with Martyn Jones.

Lucy Giles - Townsend was awarded the Barenbrug Award for Excellence in Sportsturf Science.

Lucy spent an extended period of work experience at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club which proved invaluable to her success on the course. For her honours degree research project Lucy studied the impact of rootzone amendments on cation exchange and the resulting effect on turf grass growth and development.

Lucy hopes to use her qualification and extensive experience to pursue her career in Sportsturf Management.

Richard studied the course on a part-time basis whilst working as Groundsman at Deepdale, home of Preston North End football club. Richard showed particular skills and knowledge in all aspects of Sportsturf machinery which was recognised with the award from TORO.

Richard comments, "Myerscough staff were always friendly and helpful and allowed me to develop my knowledge and skills which I can put into practice at Deepdale." In fact the quality of the pitch at Deepdale is testament to Richard's expertise. Photo shows from left to right, Peter Mansfield, General Manager, Turf Division TORO UK; Richard Eastham; and Trevor Chard, Territory Manager, TORO UK.

For further information about Myerscough College please tel: 01995 642214.