James Gaskell wins greenkeeping award

By Alistair September 25, 2022 08:24

Ripon City Golf Club’s deputy course manager James Gaskell (30) has been named as the 33rd winner of the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award.

James (right) has been greenkeeping for five years, taking up the profession on a full-time basis after graduating from the University of Sunderland. A talented golfer playing to a 1.6 handicap, James said his experience of playing competitive golf compliments his greenkeeping knowledge and the judges were impressed by his considerable dedication to the sport and his chosen career.

James was endorsed by Myerscough College, where he is studying towards his Level 3 in Advanced Golf Greenkeeping. James’s tutor, Andy Kenworthy, has contributed to the development of the three most recent awards winners.

James receives enrolment in the 10-week University of Massachusetts Winter Turf School, a two-week expenses-paid placement at Adare Manor, an all-expenses paid trip to the GCSAA Conference and Show in Florida, and a visit to Toro Corporate HQ, R&D Centre and Equipment Operations in Wisconsin.

Student Greenkeeper of the year award at Goodwood House, September 8, 2022

The sixth winner of the Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award was revealed to be Carden Park Golf Club greenkeeper Peter Pattenden (19). A talented rugby player, Peter has represented North Wales and Scottish Exiles, but it is in golf that he has chosen to pursue a career. Having been a greenkeeper for almost three years, Peter works at Carden Park in Cheshire where his father – also called Peter – is courses and estates manager.
Peter was endorsed by his employer and is studying towards his Level 3 in Advanced Golf Greenkeeping at Coleg Cambria.

Peter receives a two-week work placement at Vidauban Golf Club in France, a five-night trip to Continue to Learn at BTME and a gift voucher for Toro Training.

David Timms, national accounts manager for Reesink Turfcare, said: “After a record number of entries and a thorough two-week online interview process, it was a pleasure to welcome and meet the best talent in greenkeeping at Goodwood for the finals of the 2022 Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards. It was clear why these 12 finalists made it this far – a great achievement. Everyone shone and it was a close competition. The winners – James and Peter – are incredibly worthy and I look forward to seeing what they go on to achieve.”