BIGGA NEWS
The finalists of the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards 2021
McKenzie MBE , made it one to remember before we ’ d even conducted the finals .
“ All the finalists showed how much promise there is and how much there is to celebrate in the next generation of greenkeepers . So , it is a huge achievement for the winners , Matt for the main award and Rhian for the young award , to have triumphed . I know both will make sure they maximise the opportunities presented by their educational , international prizes .
“ However , the event was bittersweet for me as it is my last . I am leaving Reesink this spring , but to see two such worthwhile winners and especially to see Rhian , our first ever female young finalist let alone winner , makes it the perfect one to finish on .”
BIGGA Head of Learning and Development Sami Strutt said : “ I ’ m delighted to be able to present these awards to Matthew and Rhian at the culmination of this year ’ s Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards . The competition began in March with a record-breaking number of nominations and concluded over the past two days with 12 outstanding finalists who all deserve to be applauded for their knowledge , passion and dedication to the greenkeeping profession .
“ The Celtic Manor Resort provided a breathtaking venue for this year ’ s finals and we continue to be incredibly grateful to Toro and Reesink Turfcare for providing this career-defining opportunity for our most ambitious and talented student members .”
Winners of the main award receive a Toro Scholarship that includes a turf management study course at the University of Massachusetts , a trip to the Golf Industry Show and a visit to the Toro factory . Should coronavirus restrictions prevent this , an alternative prize of equal standing will be organised .
The Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year winner receives a two-week work placement at Vidauban Golf Club in France , plus a trip to Continue to Learn at BTME .
Prizes are also given to the winners ’ endorsers and the runners-up in each category , with Craig Woodman of Broadstone Golf Club and Will Pallister of Cleckheaton & District Golf Club coming second in their respective categories . For Craig it was the second time he had finished as runner-up at the awards , having also done so in the Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year category in 2017 .
The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards will return for 2022 , with nominations opening in March next year .
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GroundskeepingJournal . co . uk | Winter 2021 51