Weymouth GC greenkeeper retires

He will leave his role to retire at the end of this month, but looks back on his time there with fond memories: “Every golfer knows that golf courses have a magic about them, each one is unique in its own way and offers challenges both to golfer and to the greenkeepers that maintain them.

“Apart from the obvious beauty of a golf course as part of the wider landscape they offer safe haven for many forms of wildlife to thrive undisturbed in what is often an urban setting. So choosing a career where you spend your working life in such a wonderful surroundings is perhaps the envy of many who like to spend their leisure time out on the course.

“I even met my wife Tina at the club when she was working in the office. She enjoys volunteering to work on the course and every weekend that I have been on duty, without missing a day she comes along to help with setting up the course for play. Such is the magic of the course she will miss working here just as much as I will.”

Mr Bayliss has faced many challenges during his long career, most notably the building of the link road for the Granby estate, which involved a complete redesign of six holes across the course and construction of new tees and greens.

More recently, he has overseen the course during the coronavirus pandemic and has managed to keep it in perfect condition while golfers were banned from the site.

Colin Huckle, president of Weymouth Golf Club, said: “Rob is a highly skilled team leader and a longstanding and loyal employee working at Weymouth Golf Club, providing members and visitors with a first class facility.

“During his career he has been responsible for implementing a number of major improvements to the course.

“All of us at Weymouth Golf Club wish Rob a long, healthy and happy retirement.”