Student greenkeepers of the year announced

By Alistair September 6, 2024 13:02

Jack Vowell of Farrington Park in Somerset and Daniel Parker of Knighton Heath in Dorset have been named the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year and Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year respectively.

Reesink UK, Toro and the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) revealed the winners at an event at Oulton Hall in Yorkshire.

The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award was presented to Jack Vowell, deputy head greenkeeper at Farrington Park, by Jon Cole, divisional business manager at Reesink Turfcare and main award judge. Jack is a former recruitment consultant who switched to greenkeeping five years ago and is a student at Bridgwater and Taunton College.

Jack said: “It was such a strong field that when the runner-up’s name was read out I thought, ‘I’ve got no chance, he’s fantastic compared to me’ and so I was in complete shock when my name was announced as the winner. I just couldn’t believe it was me!”

Jon Cole added: “The five main finalists were very impressive and they have done themselves and their clubs proud. They show that the industry is in extremely safe hands going forward. It was a closely run competition and everyone acquitted themselves well. Jack, however, showed a balance of professionalism and technical knowledge, which he knew how to deliver.”

Runner-up in the main category was Jack Wellings, senior greenkeeper at the JCB Golf and Country Club and a student at Myerscough College.

The Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award was presented to Daniel Parker, apprentice greenkeeper at Knighton Heath, by David Timms, national accounts manager for Reesink Turfcare and young award judge. Daniel is a student at Sparsholt College.

Daniel said: “So many emotions were going around my head, I couldn’t believe it, but it’s brilliant. I phoned my dad as soon as I found out and he was with some family at home and they were all celebrating with me. I then spoke to my course manager and he and the rest of the team were completely thrilled. This award is as much for them as it is for me because we’re all part of a team.”

David Timms added: “The young finalists shone on the course walk, demonstrating a fantastic level of knowledge with enthusiasm and confidence. All the awards judges felt proud, pleased and privileged to be able to see the calibre of the next generation of greenkeeping in front of us. Daniel is destined for a long career in the industry and is a worthy winner of the Young award.”

Runner-up in the young category was Alex Fox, apprentice greenkeeper at Woodhall Spa and a matchday groundsperson at Lincoln City FC and Wembley Stadium. Alex is a student at Bishop Burton College.