Firm greens at 2mm??

In January I was invited to attend a debate on the agronomic issue of mowing to a cut-height of 2mm, at the recent BIGGA (British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association) Three-day exhibition and ‘Continue to Learn’ education programme in Harrogate where a panel of eight speakers and over 220 greenkeepers were involved.

This was very good news for the ordinary golfer

David Croxton & Stuart Yarwood

It was an impressively organised and conducted event and gave an indication that the ‘profession’ of greenkeeping is coming of age.

If there is one organisation above others that we all have to thank for this, it is the Greenkeepers Training Committee (GTC).

This independent body has representatives from BIGGA (greenkeepers) and the Home Unions (golf clubs) making it unique within golf, as a “united” body for both employers and employees.

I might venture in detail to be critical  that the issue of the ‘firmness’ of greens all the year round was hardly mentioned and that the word ‘target’ was not in the vocabulary on this occasion but greenkeepers (or course managers as they are now called), are not only learning about the science of agronomy but also improving their abilities to communicate, which is the vital element if the FineGolf trend of traditional, sustainable greenkeeping is to continue to gather momentum.

When golfers pay their ‘Golf Union’ fee

a tiny part of it goes to the GTC who over the last 15-20 years have been at the forefront of elevating the education and training standards of greenkeepers. A range of Government-approved qualifications are maintained by the GTC, including an excellent apprenticeship scheme.

These training courses and qualifications are available through a network of GTC-Approved Colleges.

This must bode well for the future of our great game and we golfers must not forget that golf courses are only as good as the trained staff who maintain and manage them, hopefully supported by an owner or club committee who ensure the correct level of resources are available to their Course Manager.

The world-renowned golf architect and writer Donald Steel

has recently given of his time to become GTC chairman to support the Education Director, David Golding, and comments:

“A greater awareness of the GTC’s work will soon persuade golfers that there is no more worthy a cause in the game”.

The GTC is  totally committed to raising the awareness of the sustainable golf course programme and it is planning a series of workshops round Britain in association with the R&A, the Home Golf Unions, BIGGA and other golf organisations to promote greenkeeper training for what is effectively ‘Fine Golf’.

The trend to FineGolf has a depth to it.

Golfers seeking more information on the work of the GTC can visit www.the-gtc.co.uk