The R&A has appointed the former deputy courses manager at Wentworth, Stefan Carter, as its new sustainable championship agronomist.
Stefan brings with him a wealth of tournament greenkeeping experience earned at some of the world’s most prestigious courses and events. His greenkeeping career began at just 16 years old at Forest Hill Golf Club in Leicester, where his passion for tournament preparation was ignited during his first volunteer role at the 2013 Open Championship at Muirfield.
From Forest Hill, Stefan moved to Bowood Golf Club, where he worked under the mentorship of Jaey Goodchild – who was recently appointed as an agronomist by The R&A. He then secured a position at The Wentworth Club in 2015, where he was exposed to the highest standards of course conditioning and tournament preparation.
In 2017, Stefan furthered his experience with a year-long internship at the world-renowned Augusta National Golf Club, where he was part of the home team preparing the course for The Masters. Upon returning to Wentworth, he continued to progress, eventually becoming deputy courses manager and leading teams through multiple BMW PGA Championships and other international tournaments.
Alongside his professional development, Stefan was awarded an R&A Scholarship in 2019 while completing a BSc (Hons) in Sportsturf Science and Management at Myerscough College – an achievement that further reflects his commitment to excellence in agronomy.
Beyond his career on the course, Stefan is also passionate about heathland conservation and regularly volunteers with the Surrey Wildlife Trust, applying sustainable management techniques both in the wild and on golf courses.
Speaking on his new role, Stefan commented: “Joining The R&A as a sustainable championship agronomist is a dream come true in my career. I’m looking forward to working with some of the greatest golf clubs in the world, hosting both amateur and professional tournaments, as well as growing the greenkeeping and golf industries.”
“We are delighted to welcome Stefan into our Championship Agronomy team at The R&A. He brings with him a wealth of championship and greenkeeping experience along with strong technical skills and a passion for agronomy which will be invaluable in helping our host venues deliver world class playing surfaces in an environmentally sustainable way for R&A Championships.” commented Adam Newton, sustainable championship agronomy lead at The R&A.
Stefan’s appointment marks another exciting chapter in The R&A’s expansion and ongoing commitment to supporting sustainable agronomy practices and delivering world-class championship conditions across its global portfolio.