The Postage Stamp: Some other famous greenkeepers

Send your thoughts on what’s been going on around the greenkeeping industry (let’s have more UK golf events please!) to [email protected]

Greenkeeping's famous golfers...

I read with interest your article on Trevor Foster, I found it very good. It is, however, regarding the little 'after' article that I write to you – greenkeepings other golfing greats? Some excellent achievements on the list. You do, however, seem to have omitted one, namely Thomas Mitchell Morris, otherwise known as Old Tom Morris, the grandfather of greenkeeping and Open champion in 1861, 1862, 1864 and 1867.

Andy Peel, Bull Bay

Enjoyed reading the article on Trevor Foster at Lytham, I remember it well as I was marshalling on the 18th on that Thursday morning and, having received a few beatings from Trevor in East Lancashire scratch matches, I wasn't surprised!

Just a note regarding the picture of Trevor, David Golding and Jack McMillan, the other gentleman on Trevor's right is not a BIGGA official but is the late and missed Jimmy MacDonald, the head greenkeeper of Royal Lytham at the time.

Michael Finney, ICL Specialty Fertilizers

Tribute to David Croxton

It is with great sadness that we learned about the passing of David Croxton. 

I am writing on behalf of all at the Institute to express our deepest sympathy.

David chaired the greenkeeping Trailblazer Group and worked closely with the GTC to develop one of the very first apprenticeships following the reforms in 2013. He demonstrated exceptional commitment and passion for the sector, having continued to chair the group until 2020.

Under David's chairmanship, the Trailblazer Group and the GTC successfully developed a whole suite of greenkeeping standards. These standards will have a positive impact on the career prospects for many greenkeepers and course managers, both now and in the future. 

We recognise that David will be an immense loss to his family, griends and the wider golfing community.

Jennifer Coupland, Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education

COVID-19 support

Just a short email as I have a bit of time on my hands for the first time since 'lockdown' began.

We have brought our furloughed staff back and are gradually bringing the golf courses up to the standards our members expect.

At Whitecraigs we have found the leadership and guidance from BIGGA invaluable at such a difficult time for golf clubs. The information and support provided has allowed us to keep the committee of management and our membership up to speed with developments in what has been and still is, a very fluid situation.

We still have a long way to go and many golf clubs are worried about what the future holds. The knowledge that BIGGA, GCMA, PGA, R&A and other industry partners are working together is reassuring to us all during these worrying times.

Many thanks to you and the entire team at BIGGA who are doing an excpetional job for us greenkeepers.

Andy Wilson, The Whitecraigs

Please pass on my thanks to all the BIGGA staff as the way in which the COVID-19 situation has been handled has been brilliant.

It has helped me no end having access to BIGGA webinars and information about the ways to deal with the situation as a golf club.

Jonathan Barr, Lutterworth

Greenkeeper International is your magazine and we want to hear your thoughts on things you've read in the magazine, the association's various activities or perhaps there's something from the wider golf industry that you'd like to discuss. Get in touch and join the conversation by emailing GI editor Karl Hansell using [email protected]