Technical Merit Award 2003 - Winner

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Technical Merit Award 2003 - Winner

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Whilst in full time employment, hesuccessfully completed a full-time HND in golf course management. In 2002/2003 he was the winner of the IOG top turfculture student at Cannington college and the Southwest cup for best college project.

Colin started reading Pitchcare in Oct 2002 at the start of his full-time HND, and found the site to be a very valuable resource.

He also stated that the variety of sports surfaces he maintains has given him the practical background for writing his answers to the questions.

The Award has been an outstanding success. A new, innovative competition run in association with Tillers Turf, the aim was to give Pitchcare members an enjoyable and educative challenge and the opportunity to win an impressive prize - a £2,000 all inclusive holiday!

Each month entrants were asked to submit answers to a number of technical questions. All questions related to the sports turf industry, and all entrants submitting a correct answer were included in a monthly draw. 10 winners in 2003 chose from an amazing array of prizes including a Champagne Hot Air Balloon flight and an introductory Rally Driving Course. 3 of the winners were greenkeepers!

The full list of winners can be viewed on the Pitchcare site by clicking on the Technical Merit Award logo.

Additionally, each month, entrants had the option to provide a written response to a relevant topical issue. It required a little more effort and some research on behalf of the entrant. The responses were considered by a panel of industry experts and the best answers were published on the Pitchcare site.

Judges for the main award were:- Simon Barnaby (Scotts), Tim Fell (Tillers Turf) John Hacker (PSD), Martyn Jones (NTF), Stella Rixon (STRI), Dave Saltman (Pitchcare) and Alex Vickers (Cranfield University).

The overall annual award was judged on an individual's responses to the topical monthly issue over the course of the year. The judging emphasis was on quality, considered responses. In the opinion of the judges, Colin's responses were excellent and fully earned him the right to be named Winner of the Technical Merit Award 2003.

Tim Fell, MD of Tillers Turf commented, " I'm delighted that Colin Ashman has won the Technical Merit Award. His responses to the monthly topical issues show a deep understanding of the subjects, and a real enthusiasm for the work he does. He is a worthy winner.

I would like to thank everyone who entered the competition, and for taking the time to research the subjects, and thinking about the issues involved. The presentation and care of sports and amenity surfaces is an increasingly demanding job, and one in which a good technical understanding is immensely valuable."

The formal announcement of the winner and the presentation of the award will be made during BTME 2004 on Wednesday 21st January at 11.30am at the Internet Cafe in Hall B.









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