Apprentice wins national award

An apprentice has received an award for golf greenkeeping.

David Stewart, who trains at Pershore College, won young greenkeeper of the year at The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) third annual BIGGA Awards.

Mr Stewart, 23, is deputy head greenkeeper at Walmley Golf Club in Sutton Coldfield.

BIGGA chief executive officer Jim Croxton said: “2016 was an incredible year for David as he took on no less than four different roles at his club.

“He took it all in his stride and alongside that he managed to get out, volunteering at tournaments and providing excellent support for the Young Greenkeepers’ Committee.

“David also worked extremely hard to provide participation opportunities for our younger members within the Central England region.”

Each year, the awards recognise outstanding greenkeeping performances, with entries being received from courses all over the country.

Mr Stewart, who is now on a level 3 apprenticeship, said: “Going up on stage was so nerve wracking.

“I feel over the moon as there are so many up and coming good young greenkeepers.

“Just to be nominated was unbelievable and to actually win is incredible.

“To have this kind of recognition from your colleagues makes this a career defining moment.”

BIGGA Chairman Les Howkins, course manager at The Richmond in London, said: “Congratulations to all the worthy winners of this year’s BIGGA Awards.

“These talented greenkeepers have demonstrated outstanding commitment and ability, not just this year but throughout their careers, and so it is great that we have been able to honour them with these awards.

“All the finalists were fantastic and show how, at every level and across the country, there are passionate greenkeepers who are a credit to the association, the greenkeeping industry and to themselves.”

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