Two more British greenkeepers are ‘Master Greenkeepers’

By Alistair June 24, 2019 10:19 Updated

Six British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) members have achieved the ‘Master Greenkeeper’ certificate – the highest ever in one batch of examinations – and two of them are from British golf clubs.

The six have joined the ranks of course managers, head greenkeepers and superintendents who can count themselves among the most highly-qualified and respected individuals within the industry.

First awarded in 1991, the Master Greenkeeper certificate is awarded to those BIGGA members who have reached the highest standards of greenkeeping and golf course management.

Rob Clare

To be eligible, a BIGGA member must have spent at least 10 years working in greenkeeping, with a minimum of three in a head greenkeeper, course manager or superintendent role. They must also have been responsible for their current golf course or courses for a minimum of two years.

The six are: Bob Vaughey, Rolling Hills Country Club, California, USA; Sam Evans, Fulwell Golf Club, UK; Rob Clare, Brough Golf Club, UK; David McGregor, Westwood Country Club, Virginia, USA; Matthew Gourlay, Colbert Hill Golf Course, Kansas City, USA; and Andrew Sprunt, Florissant City Golf Course, Missouri, USA.

In achieving the certificate, Andy has become BIGGA’s 80th Master Greenkeeper.

Sam Evans, course manager at Fulwell has achieved the accreditation aged just 30.

Sam Evans

He said: “I wanted to do the Master Greenkeeper certificate as I believe there is always a next level to aspire to and push yourself to. I have been brought up to aim high and, to me, the Master Greenkeeper certificate is an unrivalled pinnacle of professional status, which I still can not believe I have achieved. I am over the moon to be awarded this and it is another example of how hard work really does pay off.”