Meet the Finalists - 2025

"Greenkeeping is in my blood. My biggest inspiration is my grandad who retired at Royal County Down – he taught me many things before I even really understood what it was he was teaching. One thing I definitely knew was his hate for craneflies! My Mum and Dad are also in the greenkeeping industry, having first met at Myerscough College, where I am now studying for my Level 3 qualification."  

"It's a privilege and honour to be named one of the finalists. I like pushing myself out of my comfort zone, and love learning and meeting new people. I have a law degree and want to utilise my education to its fullest potential by driving the industry towards positive and sustainable growth. I love research so maybe that's a future avenue. For the time being I'm focusing on my greenkeeping and aiming to be the best I can be at it." 

"Being acknowledged for awards such as these makes all the hard work worth it and the feeling is one of enormous pride and satisfaction, especially after the disappointment of missing out last year. I like a bit of healthy competition, from who can cut the straightest lines at work to loser buys the after-round drinks, so challenging myself against the other outstanding candidates is what I'm looking forward to the most about the final." 

"I'm excited to have the opportunity to learn from other students and industry professionals, expanding my network and knowledge. I love greenkeeping because it's a career that allows you to work alongside nature and utilise new technologies. I also enjoy the satisfaction of seeing the results from your work, maintaining beautiful, playable sporting surfaces. My ambition in the industry is to become a top course manager at a prestigious golf course, working at the highest level and experiencing the pinnacle of greenkeeping." 

"The best piece of advice I've ever been given is, 'Do a job you love, and you'll never work a day in your life'. No day is the same out on the course, I love the variety that comes with the job and working in nature. This industry is fantastic and the opportunities available are endless. I've been lucky to work on some of the best courses on the DP World Tour circuit and travel the world while doing it. I wish I'd have started younger, but I wouldn't change a thing." 

"I'm looking forward to meeting other likeminded people throughout both categories. I believe that networking is a very important thing in the industry so I will be looking to gain new connections and most definitely new knowledge. I aspire to create a name for myself and to work at many courses around the world through things like tournament support. Places like Augusta National, TPC Sawgrass and any Ryder Cup or Open venues are on my bucket list." 

"Back in lockdown I had done some work on my Dad's farm which made me realise that I really enjoyed working outdoors. I also really love all things sports-related, so towards the end of my last year in school I put two and two together and applied for a greenkeeping apprenticeship and ended up loving the job. When I got the call to tell me I was a finalist for Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year, I couldn't believe it – I feel very privileged to be in this position." 

"I initially took up greenkeeping to get out of a rut. Having just left university, I was stuck for work and was undecided as to what I wanted to do. From there I was given the opportunity to join Stoneham Golf Club and I've been loving it ever since! I'd like to take advantage of the amazing number of opportunities to work and volunteer abroad that this great industry has to offer."