Knutsford Golf Club were honoured to host The R&A Scholars Education Day back on the 12th of October. Guest speakers included Knutsford’s Course Manager, David Jones; Dr Marie Athorn, Business Conservation Advisor, RSPB; and Dr Andy Owen, International Technical Manager, Turf & Landscape, ICL.
The R&A Scholars Education Day provides the chance for scholars to learn from industry leaders, and network with others also undertaking professional turf management qualifications.
Organised by Wendy Cole, Sustainability Manager of the R&A, the seminar consisted of crucial topics for course management, including sustainable development, integrated turf management, ecology and
water management, and tips for working alongside the wider course administration team.
We also welcomed Jim Croxton, CEO BIGGA; James Hutchinson, Sustainability Executive, BIGGA; Alistair Beggs, Head of Agronomy, R&A. Following the speaker presentations in the Egerton Suite, the group enjoyed a delicious lunch and round of golf to finish on our impeccably presented course.
In attendance was Knutsford Golf Club’s Course Manager, David Jones, who was selected to receive a place on the prestigious R&A Scholarship scheme in 2014 and completed his HNC in Golf Course Management in 2017. The scheme supports 411 scholars in 37 countries, who must go through a rigorous selection process in order to prove their commitment to continued professional development.
The Club is dedicated to supporting its employees in their professional development, and counting our own Course Manager among this elite group of scholars, together with Deputy Course Manager, Neil Sidebotham, studying HNC Golf Course Management and Assistant Greenkeeper, Ben Lambert, studying NVQ Level 2 “Sports Turf”, ensures that Knutsford remains at the forefront of industry developments, and the course continues to be better, healthier and more sustainable.
Knutsford Golf Club recently commissioned an Environmental Report, conducted by James Hutchinson of BIGGA, who was also speaking at the Scholars Education Day, providing insight on best practices to develop the ecological aspects of the course. Forward thinking ensures not only the members and visitors’ enjoyment of the Club, but the longevity and preservation of an environment which supports an abundance of wildlife.
Phil Smeathers, Knutsford Golf Club Chair of Greens, said:
“All of us at Knutsford Golf Club were thrilled to host the R&A Scholarship Day. Seeing this group of forward-thinking Course Managers getting together with experts from The R&A and BIGGA to hone their approaches to Course Ecology and Sustainability was inspiring for me and our members.”
“Our Course Manager, David Jones, is an R&A Scholar who is passionately engaged with developing our course to best in class ecological standards. It was great to see David and the delegates playing a few holes and seeing the many positive changes we are making. Thank you for your feedback and encouragement. We look forward to welcoming The R&A back to Knutsford, where you are guaranteed a warm reception.”
David Jones, Course Manager at Knutsford Golf Club, said:
“It was a pleasure to welcome fellow Scholars and The R&A representatives to Knutsford to enjoy a day of learning and golf together.”
The Knutsford Golf Club is a welcoming and friendly members club in the heart of Cheshire. With 130 years of heritage and unique positioning next to Tatton Park, the club is dedicated to developing a modern and progressive culture, enabling players of all abilities to enjoy the fantastic course.
More information can be found at www.knutsfordgolf.com and via our social media channels Facebook www.facebook.com/knutsfordgolf , Instagram www.instagram.com/knutsfordgolf and Twitter www.twitter.com/knutsfordgolf
