Introduction
This is one of the jobs which comes into the category of
"groundsperson". Gardeners with huge gardens to look after! Local
authorities are responsible for the design and management of a
range of outdoor areas - from woodland and parks to pedestrian
zones and the grounds of public buildings.
The greenkeeper of a golf course is not only responsible for the
maintenance of three or four miles of countryside for the sake of
the players but for the public to walk themselves and their dogs.
It might be a golf course for some, but it is a right of way for
others. And sometimes the two groups conflict with each other. Dogs
are no respecter of sandy bunkers and well kept greens!
Groundspersons are employed by all authorities except county
councils and some functions are contracted out. Clearing and
pruning dense woodland may be done by a private firm, for instance.
Some councils call this type of post "gardener".
Work Environment
Inevitably this is entirely outdoors unless the weather makes it
impossible to go out, giving the head greenkeeper and his small
staff a chance to repair and service their equipment. The setting
may be well spread out downland involving a good deal of walking as
most of the work entails the use of hand machines, though there are
mechanized buggies for grass cutting of fairways and greens. Or, on
a 'links' course it may be flat and sandy which means using
different maintenance techniques. There is a land rover available
for transporting equipment and team across vast areas of
countryside.
Except for the cursing of the golfers, there is no noise except
from the birds and the wind in the trees. It is a very healthy
working environment but difficult at times because the weather is
so changeable - as are the moods of some players who can be very
critical if the putting greens are not state of the art
surfaces. Overalls and safety boots are provided. Hours
worked are often anti social and amount to 45 in summer and 32 in
the winter. Throughout the year, greenkeepers will be at work very
early, depending on the weather.
Daily Activities
The main tasks are grass cutting and keeping the council and
golfers happy by not interfering with play too much. Working around
the approach of yet another set of players, stopping and starting
until they pass, can be very frustrating.
But there is much more to the job than that. Greens need great
care: removing dew, debris - usually in the form of rabbit
droppings - dressing and treating with special chemicals to
encourage the right growth of grass and the best surface; sand
bunkers need raking and clearing; litter picking and emptying bins
are everyday tasks. Greenkeepers wage a difficult war against wear
and tear and damage caused by badgers and other animals. Grassy
banks need autumn and spring renovation, tees need enlarging and
returfing. The overall objective is to improve the golf course
within the tight budget limitations imposed by the council.
The groundsperson will have regular contact with his managers
from the council, the greens committee (golfers), golfers and dog
walkers but use individual initiative while working within a
team.
Skills & Interests
To do this job well you would need to have:
- practical ability;
- attention to detail;
- interest in the countryside;
- a head for figures;
- ability to get on with people and be diplomatic.
You must also be able to use your initiative because you could
be on our own all day. As one job finishes you should be able to
decide what to do next depending on the time he weather without
being told. And you need to be fit!
Entry Requirements
Most groundspersons will have started as trainees directly from
school/college. There is on-the-job training and, though vocational
qualifications are not necessary, most people will attend college
for city and guilds certificates.
Future Prospects & Opportunities
This is a narrow field of work and it is competitive. Once you
have attained foreman status - moving up from assistant
greenkeeper, greenkeeper to head greenkeeper - the next step up
could be golf course manager. Though you could progress by moving
departments or councils. You can, for example go to other areas of
grounds maintenance, to private gardens or golf courses. Promotion
is dependent on experience and further qualifications and you can
aim for the top job of Contracts Manager.
Further Information & Services
City and Guilds www.city-and-guilds.co.uk
Institute of Groundsmanship www.iog.org
Lantra www.lantra.co.uk
The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association www.bigga.org.uk
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or
in your local library, careers office or school careers
library.