A day in the life: Lee Williams

By Alistair August 9, 2024 07:57

The head greenkeeper at Stanedge Golf Club in Derbyshire, a ten-hole course that includes moorland and parkland features, takes us through his average day.

What time do you arrive at the club and what is your morning routine?

Depending on what time we’re scheduled to start, I’ll usually arrive 15 to 20 minutes before the rest of the team. First jobs are always to check the weather forecast and tee sheet, then I’ll go for a quick walk on the course.

How many people are there in your team and do you share tasks?

There’s three of us working full time and two additional part time staff. As a small team, I do try to share tasks out as much as possible.

How do you motivate your colleagues?

I’m lucky in that I have a really enthusiastic team who all want what’s best for the course. That means it’s relatively easy for me to motivate them, with simple little comments and feedback.

What aspects of your job give you the greatest satisfaction?

Driving around the course on a Friday afternoon and seeing all of the hard work that the team have put in, to make the course shine for the weekend.

And the least satisfaction?

Unrepaired pitchmarks, divots not replaced… The list could go on!

Have you attended any courses recently, and if so, what did you take away?

I recently attended a roadshow event with Origin Amenity Solutions. Something that really got me thinking following that was the water management aspect, and how we could look to utilise our water more effectively.

What’s your favourite season of the year and why?

It has to be summer. The course is looking its best, the sun is shining and everyone seems to be in a better mood!

Are you witnessing evidence of climate change and, if so, how has your job had to adapt to changing weather patterns?

Possibly. I think we will know more in the next few years if we continue to experience years like the last few. This year we haven’t really had the cold spell like we’ve had in previous years, which has meant the grass hasn’t had that dormant period over the winter months.

Have you had to overcome any course issues with disease and / or pests?

The biggest issue we have with pests is with deer! They seem to enjoy a good dance on the greens from time to time.

What piece of equipment would you say is the most popular and frequently used by you and your team?

We’ve recently taken delivery of an INFINICUT 22” pedestrian mower which is currently very popular among the team. Everyone seems to enjoy taking it out to hand mow the greens and the first tee. It does leave a fantastic finish!

What do you do to support wildlife?

Since I arrived at Stanedge, we have let some of the rough grow and have planted some wildflower areas to encourage bees and pollinators. We also have quite a few bird boxes up around the course.

What are the technological developments that you feel have been the most important in your career to date?

Machines are always improving in some way, which helps us in improving turf health and quality.

But I’d say the development of tools like moisture meters, accu gauges, cleg hammers and so on have all become must-haves in a greenkeeper’s arsenal.

Do you use social media professionally and what do you think this contributes to the industry?

I do use social media, both Twitter and Facebook. I don’t contribute to things on there as much as I should, but they are great platforms for advice and sharing ideas.

How would you improve the greenkeeping industry?

Pay is a big talking point in the industry, and that really needs to improve for a lot of people. In my opinion, the biggest thing that needs to improve is the understanding and respect of the job and the fact it is a skilled profession.

What advice would you give to a young greenkeeper starting out today?

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and ask lots of questions.

How do you spend your leisure time?

With two kids under the age of two there isn’t much time for leisure! When I do get the chance, I enjoy going to Sheffield Wednesday matches or will play the occasional round of golf.