The course manager at Raglan Golf Club in Monmouthshire, Lucy Sellick, takes us through her average day.

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

I’m typically on-site by 5:45am to open the gates and get the day started. My morning begins with a weather check, reviewing the club diary and quickly scanning through emails. It’s essential to have a clear picture of the day ahead before the full team arrives and we head out onto the course. With our maintenance facility still under construction, we’re currently working from the staff block at the clubhouse, which adds a unique dynamic to our operations.

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

We currently have a team of five and call upon additional groundswork support over winter to tackle some significant projects. Task sharing is fundamental to how we operate – while everyone has their strengths and we rely on certain individuals when we’re under pressure, I’m a firm believer in task rotation and investing in staff development. It keeps the team engaged and builds a more versatile, capable workforce.

How do you motivate your colleagues?

Winter months can be particularly challenging, so I make sure the team is well looked after – hot chocolates and bacon rolls go a long way! Beyond that, I invest in their professional development through education and training, provide quality clothing and boots and ensure they have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively. When we’re facing a tough task, I believe in throwing many hands at it and getting through it together as quickly as possible. It builds camaraderie and keeps morale high.

What aspects of your job give you the greatest satisfaction?

Seeing continued improvements across the course and, equally important, watching the team grow and develop professionally. I’m fortunate to work at a club with such a positive culture – it’s been genuinely eye-opening to experience how straightforward things can be when the environment is supportive and collaborative.

And the least satisfaction?

The weather is always beyond our control, which can be frustrating. Additionally, seeing the ongoing struggles within the industry due to poor governance remain a significant concern. We know what needs to be done, but structural issues can make progress unnecessarily difficult.

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

Yes, I’m a strong advocate for continued personal and professional development. The biggest takeaway for me recently has been recognising that while I’m naturally inclined to keep my head down and get on with the work, a crucial part of my role is working with people -understanding them, supporting them and communicating effectively. I’ve also started exploring how AI can assist with various aspects of course management, which is an exciting frontier.

What is your favourite season of the year and why?

It’s a bit of a cop-out, but I genuinely appreciate all seasons. I love planning and preparation, and each seasonal transition brings a new set of tasks and challenges to address. Honestly, I think we’re moving beyond traditional seasons now – it’s more about managing extremes and being adaptable to whatever conditions we face.

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

Absolutely. Those of us working outdoors notice the signs daily – plants flowering at unusual times, the need for cutting well into the depths of winter and cold droughts around April and May that delay getting the course ready for the traditional season start. The pressure is particularly acute with events like The Masters on the calendar. We’ve adapted by managing golfer expectations more proactively, maintaining flexibility in our work programmes and leveraging what I call the greenkeeper’s superpower: finding creative solutions to unexpected challenges.

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

We haven’t faced major pest or disease problems, but we did inherit a site that hadn’t been properly managed for six years. The challenge was bringing everything back to the quality standard our returning golfers would expect – all within a seven-month timeframe. It was overwhelming at times, but I genuinely loved the challenge. We opened with a one-month delay, and less than a year later, we now have over 500 members, which speaks to the quality we’ve been able to achieve.

What seed mixtures and / or cultivars do you use for your greens, tees, fairways and roughs?

Given the redevelopment of a site closed for six years, seed choice was critical. It’s always been a key component of my Integrated Turf Management approach, particularly when removing fungicides and dealing with extreme weather and play pressure under less-than-favourable conditions. For greens, I’ve consistently relied on Johnsons All Bent varieties, and with the need to establish greens in under seven months, I incorporated Ultrafine Rye for rapid establishment. For tees, the 4Turf range has been invaluable – it’s helped us establish and maintain coverage on small tees without irrigation. For fairway overseeding, Ian Barnett from DLF paid us a visit to discuss options that would best address our challenges with heavy compaction and areas that had been cut for silage prior to reopening.

With a growing focus on sustainability, do you deploy any sustainable practices in the management of your course?

Sustainability was a cornerstone of our work at Raglan from the beginning. We prioritised using local suppliers and involving the community throughout the redevelopment. On the course itself, we focus on minimum input strategies, have upgraded irrigation systems to conserve water and maintain strong Integrated Turf Management practices. It’s about being responsible stewards of the land while delivering the playing conditions our members expect.

What do you do to support wildlife?

Throughout the redevelopment, we’ve been mindful that we’re merely custodians of this land. The site benefits from incredible wildlife, being part of the original parkland of Raglan Castle, which is just a stone’s throw away. We’ve installed bat boxes, are planting new hedgerows to create and enhance wildlife corridors and ensured that any clearing work was done with careful consideration for the existing ecosystem. It’s about respecting what was here before us and preserving it for future generations.

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

Weather apps and disease modelling have been game-changers – having accurate, real-time data allows us to make informed decisions quickly. Data capture systems and advancements in irrigation technology have also been invaluable. From an agronomic standpoint, developments in seed technology have significantly improved the quality and resilience of playing surfaces.

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

I maintain personal accounts that feature a mix of work-related content and the occasional pet photo! At the club level, member communication is a priority. We produce weekly updates and a monthly newsletter that includes input from every department manager, which helps keep everyone informed and engaged with what’s happening across the facility.

How would you improve the greenkeeping industry?

Club governance needs serious attention. Greenkeepers often have their hands tied – we understand what changes are needed and what resources match realistic expectations, but when organisations are run by volunteers, some with their own agendas rather than the club’s best interests at heart, progress becomes difficult. Stronger governance structures would benefit everyone.

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

Invest in yourself alongside your turf qualifications. Develop leadership skills and learn how to manage people effectively – these are just as important as technical knowledge. Make your CV stand out with unique experiences, whether that’s volunteering at tournaments, working with local charities or demonstrating interest in the essential but often overlooked areas like budgeting, health and safety and training coordination. Too many CVs look identical; show what makes you different.

How do you spend your leisure time?

I enjoy playing golf, naturally. I’m also a season ticket holder for Cardiff FC – my husband thought it would be a great way for us to spend more time together, and he was right. Beyond that, I love being outdoors whenever possible.