Student crowned ‘Greenkeeper of the Year’ at annual conference

ST ALBANS — William Bradbury capped a memorable month with a prestigious award at the annual Greenkeeping conference yesterday. 

William, who had celebrated the completion of his Level 2 Greenkeeping Apprenticeship last week at the annual Apprenticeships Recognition ceremony, was awarded the coveted ‘Student Greenkeeper of the Year’ award at the annual industry seminar for the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), held at the college this week.

With his apprenticeship now completed, William plans to continue working for this current employer Woburn Golf and Country Club, where he plans to continue developing his skills with more practical hands-on experience.

William joins former Oaklands College student Thomas Boyle as the latest recipient of the award.

The annual Greenkeeping Seminar offers a valuable opportunity for local employers and staff within the Greenkeeping industry to meet and share experience, best practice and learn from a variety of guest speakers.

In attendance were experts in the field; Anthony Mocklow, Sylvain Duval and Peter Moore, from Sandy Lodge Golf Club, Turfgrass Agronomy and Services and Wentworth Golf Club.

General Manager Anthony Mocklow discussed his role as General Manager at Sandy Lodge and led a seminar on how General Managers can support the work of the Greens department.

Sylvain Duval shared some of his knowledge amassed from over 28 years of experience within the golf industry, providing an insight into golf course construction projects and his consultancy work, including Pre-construction, construction and Grow-in.

Finally, Peter Moore spoke about the Greenkeeping work at Wentworth Golf Club and the challenges involved in hosting the prestigious BMW PGA Championship.