GOLFERS' EXPECTATIONS ARE THE MAIN CHALLENGE

To kick off 2026, TurfPro has asked a series of prominent figures to offer their thoughts on the industry's current State Of Play.

Damian Wormald serves as a dedicated greenkeeper at Silkstone Golf Club, a prestigious 18-hole championship golf destination in South Yorkshire renowned for its meticulously maintained parkland course and year-round playing conditions.

Damien’s greens team is recognised for delivering course presentation that meets both member expectations and championship-level standards. 

With a strong commitment to turf quality and sustainable course management, Damian plays an integral role in the daily care and conditioning of all turf surfaces across the golf course. His responsibilities include the precise mowing and presentation of greens, tees and fairways, the implementation of irrigation and drainage programmes, bunker and rough maintenance, seasonal aeration and top-dressing operations, and the careful monitoring of turf health. He consistently applies agronomic best practices to ensure optimal playing conditions in all seasons, balancing traditional greenkeeping techniques with modern approaches to turf management.

Damian’s professional ethos centres on attention to detail, respect for the playing surface, and a passion for outdoor work. He is committed to ongoing professional development in sports turf management and regularly engages with industry best practice, complying with environmental and agronomic standards in modern course maintenance.

Q1. What has been the product, machine or innovation that has helped you most in your career?

Machinery-wise I would say the Vertidrain. All we had when I first started was a tractor-mounted slitter to aid drainage and ease compaction. The Vertidrain was a revelation. Product wise the introduction of soil biology. This has no doubt helped in thatch reduction and promotion of perennial grass species. 

Q2. What are the most challenging issues facing the industry?

Firstly, the main challenge is the expectations of the golfer with the definite change in climate, the reduction in resources and the fight for new members. Secondly, the lack of suitably qualified and experienced greenkeepers actually wanting to properly greenkeep. 

Q3. What are your thoughts on our current trade show scene?

Trade shows are adequate. The seminars are the star, with some real quality speakers these days.

Q4. What would you like to see in terms of collaboration across industry organisations?

I would like more interaction between different organisations, but sadly I don't believe it will happen. There is still the Greenkeeper vs Groundsman divide.

Q5. What changes would you like to see made to improve the industry?

In the golfing press I personally would like to see more articles on the forgotten and smaller golf clubs which struggle every year for members, using old machinery, surviving on small budgets but yet again delivering fantastic playing conditions. Following on from that, giving greenkeepers from these types of clubs chance to go on volunteer work at Open Championships and a chance at R&A scholarship and FTM programmes. These places are unfortunately usually filled by greenkeepers from the more upmarket golf courses.

Give these greenkeepers a chance. You maybe surprised.