AWARDS SEASONS BEGINS

PICTURED ABOVE: The 2024 winners: Jack Vowell of Farrington Park in Somerset and Daniel Parker of Knighton Heath in Dorset

Entries for Toro’s Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards 2025 open on 1 March. 

Organisers say lecturers and employers can give their students the chance to unlock life changing opportunities by nominating them, or student greenkeepers can have faith in their own abilities and put themselves forward.

Aside from prizes which include, for both award winners, all-expenses-paid trips to the USA to visit Toro HQ, R&D and manufacturing, educational opportunities, and a one-week work experience placement at a prestigious UK or overseas golf course, it’s as much the long-term benefits winning and taking part bring that make it worthwhile entering, say Toro.
 
Jon Cole, divisional business manager at Reesink Turfcare, award sponsor and main award judge, says, “The awards are the only in the industry to recognise young greenkeepers in such a way and bring extraordinary rewards for those who reach the finals. These are some of the biggest prizes available in the industry, alongside an invaluable platform for young professionals to use to take their career to the next level.”

The finals on 9-11 September will be held at Rudding Park in Harrogate. This resort is home to two previous winners of the Toro Student Awards - Matthew Milligan who won in 2021 and John Norwood winner in 2019.

Finalists get to meet and compete with the best student greenkeepers in the country and network with influential industry leaders, increase skills and knowledge to enhance professional development and build lasting relationships in the greenkeeping community.

David Timms, Reesink’s national accounts manager and young award judge, says, “The awards act as a massive stepping stone in these greenkeeper’s careers and taking part holds a lot of credence with future employers. Entering couldn’t be easier and could be the beginning of the next stage of their lives.”

As John Keenaghan, 2024 BIGGA President and young award judge, confirms: “It’s a wonderful opportunity for young greenkeepers to show their passion in the greenkeeping world.” 

Entries can made from 1 March to 11 April.