Jake Rose and Archie Raynham crowned winners at Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards

Returning finalist Jake Rose and 18-year-old Archie Raynham claimed the top prizes at the 37th Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards.

Jake, first assistant at Alwoodley Golf Club and a Myerscough College student, won the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award three years after finishing as runner-up in the Young category. Essendon Country Club greenkeeper and Oaklands College student Archie was named Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year.

They were crowned at Rockliffe in County Durham after demonstrating their technical understanding, practical ability and enthusiasm for the profession.

Organised by BIGGA, Reesink Turfcare and Toro, the national final brought together nine greenkeepers who had progressed through online interviews earlier in the year. Across two days, they completed practical and theoretical challenges including seed and grass identification, presentations, interviews and a course walk.

Jake used the judges' feedback from his previous appearance in 2023 to identify areas for improvement before returning with a different approach.

He said: "It's a massive honour. Coming runner-up in 2023 probably spurred me on that little bit more to want to do it again. It's a massive award and the prizes are phenomenal, so it's a pretty mint feeling all round. I asked for feedback last time, so I knew where my strengths and weaknesses were. This time I went in with a clean slate. I didn't focus on anyone else and just tried to do the best I could. Wherever that led, it led."

Jake originally qualified as a civil engineer before entering greenkeeping during the Covid pandemic. His career has since taken him to Wakefield, Moortown, Pannal and clubs in the United States before he joined Alwoodley, where he recently stepped up to first assistant.

He also highlighted the lasting relationships formed during the awards.

"You're competing against each other, but you're all in the same boat," he said. "The friendships are a big part of it. I still speak to plenty of the lads from the last final and I'm good mates with them."

Rob Hogarth, Dealer Development – North at Reesink Turfcare and a judge for the main award, said: "Jake was confident, crisp and knowledgeable. He knew his subject matter and put the interview panel at ease. His answers were strong, consistent and well thought out. We feel sure he will go on to become someone who shapes the future of greenkeeping."

Toby Smith, deputy course manager at Redlibbets and a Hadlow College student, finished as runner-up in the main category.

 

Archie entered the Young award after encouragement from his tutors at Oaklands College. He had been studying for only a few months when the possibility of competing was first raised.

He said: "It's hard to put into words. From around the age of 12, greenkeeping is all I've wanted to do. I had a big interest in golf and lawn care, so I put the two together. I was never really someone who enjoyed school. I enjoyed learning, but not sitting in a classroom. I always wanted to be outside. This is massive for me because this is what I've set my heart on. To be rewarded for having that passion is such a great feeling."

 

Archie described the final as a friendly and supportive experience, despite the competitors being assessed for two prestigious awards.

"It felt much more like an industry networking event than a competition," he said. "It was a friendly gathering and there was no rivalry, even when we were being examined. Everyone was amazing, and the people from BIGGA, Toro and Reesink were superb and really great to talk to."

Darren Anderson, Dealer Development – South at Reesink Turfcare and a Young award judge, said: "Archie showed an impressive overall knowledge of greenkeeping. His professionalism and keenness shone through, and as a candidate, he presented himself exceptionally well. He connected with us as judges, and we felt excited about the future of the industry, with Archie demonstrating the knowledge, passion and potential to make a real impact."

Isle of Purbeck apprentice and Myerscough College student Sam Wells was runner-up in the Young category.

BIGGA Chief Executive Jim Croxton said: "Every finalist performed with great distinction and demonstrated the talent emerging across our profession. These awards are always a highlight of the year, and we are extremely grateful to Reesink Turfcare and Toro for their continued support. The quality and enthusiasm on display at Rockliffe offered enormous encouragement for the future of greenkeeping."

Jake's prizes include enrolment in the University of Massachusetts' 10-week Winter School for Turf Managers, a one-week work placement and a visit to Toro's headquarters in the United States.

Archie will also visit Toro and undertake a work placement, while his prizes include a trip to Continue to Learn at BTME and a Toro training course voucher.