Golf Greenkeeping Level 2 Apprentice

A Golf Greenkeeper is responsible for the maintenance, care and overall appearance of a golf course in line with employer’s requirements. It is their job to maintain a good quality playing surface and ensure the course offers a consistent challenge and an enjoyable experience for golfers There are four key turfgrass areas on a golf course – greens, tees, fairways and areas of rough, each of which requires a different type of maintenance. Using a range of equipment and machinery safely and competently will play a major part within an apprentices training programme. Golf Greenkeepers will also be involved in hazard, environmental and ecological operations which may include bunker maintenance, planting turf, trees, shrubs and developing wildlife habitats. The skills required to become a competent greenkeeper will be acquired whilst working as an apprentice on the golf course By the end of the programme, you will know when, how and why the range of maintenance operations are carried out

A Golf Greenkeeper will be able to:

Maintain good standards of health and safety for self and others Prepare the golf course for play which will include removing early morning dew and debris from the greens, raking bunkers, moving tee markers, cutting new holes on greens Prepare and use equipment and machinery to maintain and renovate all turf surfaces within the golf course, including the use of tractors, ride-on machines, and specialist equipment Apply turf treatments to help produce quality playing surfaces, including fertilisers and top dressing Use a variety of integrated methods to control weeds, fungal diseases, pests and turf disorders Maintain and renovate bunkers and other hazards such as water features Maintain drainage and irrigation systems Prepare ground to establish turf and plants when maintaining, renovating and constructing golf course features

An Apprentice Golf Greenkeeper will develop and learn to understand the following technical knowledge:

Identify their role in monitoring and maintaining health and safety within the workplace Identify a number of grasses, weeds, pests, diseases, turf disorders, plants and trees The primary aspects of soil and plant biology to include the process of germination – photosynthesis, respiration and transpiration The principles of mowing and machine maintenance and their operation The need and implications of rolling, verti-cutting, scarification and aeration The strategies for controlling weeds, pests, diseases and turf disorders How fertilisers, top dressing and chemicals affect playing surfaces How course maintenance practices affect the environment Be aware of the importance of the Rules of Golf and golf course etiquette Recognise the importance of environmental and ecological best practice The operation of irrigation, drainage systems and their maintenance

Training:

Level 2- Golf Greenkeeping Standard.

Training Outcome:

This standard aligns with the following professional recognition:

The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA). Completion of the apprenticeship will enable qualified apprentices to apply for full membership

 Level 3 Greenkeeping Apprenticeship.

Employer Description:
Reddish Vale was designed in 1912 by the World famous golf course architect Dr Alister MacKenzie and is the most interesting and spectacular golf course in the whole Manchester area. The layout attracts attention and reviews from leading course architects worldwide including Tom Doak. The club hosted the 2023 Cheshire Matchplay Championship, seeing many of the counties best golfers compete on the course that received huge accolades from both county officials and the players. Also, recently voted number 10 in the best courses in Cheshire. It sits within an urban area, relatively undiscovered, and so secluded from the outside world within the M60 motorway and only 5 miles from the centre of Manchester.

Working Hours :
6am to 2.30pm . Hours are flexible, depending on the needs of the golf club schedule. Weekend work on a rota basis. If working a weekend shift, time off in the week will be given to keep within 40 hours.

Skills:
Communication skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Customer care skills,Problem solving skills,Presentation skills,Number skills,Analytical skills,Logical,Team working,Creative,Initiative,Non judgemental,Patience,Physical fitness,Polite and friendly,Self-motivated,Positive attitude