“We’re thrilled to bits” – nominators speak of their pride as BIGGA, Toro and Reesink UK reveal the finalists of the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards 2023

The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and co-founders and sponsors Toro and Reesink UK have revealed the finalists of their prestigious annual awards, which seek to uncover the UK’s leading student greenkeepers.

Each year the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards enable BIGGA, the UK’s only membership association for golf greenkeepers, to partner with turf maintenance equipment manufacturer Toro and distributor Reesink UK and celebrate the next generation of talented and dedicated greenkeepers.

The first stage of the awards saw candidates undertake an interview in front of a panel of judges comprising representatives of BIGGA and Reesink UK, with 54 nominees being narrowed down to the final 12. The finalists will now vie for the titles of Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year and Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year at Carden Park in Cheshire on 4-6 September.

The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year finalists are:

1. Edoardo Fauro, deputy head greenkeeper at Walton Heath Golf Club and student at SRUC Elmwood
2. Joe Garner, assistant greenkeeper at Wentworth Club and student at Myerscough College
3. Tyler Holmes, assistant greenkeeper at Ganton Golf Club and student at Askham Bryan College
4. Craig Jordan, apprentice at Ashley Wood Golf Club and student at Sparsholt College
5. Shawn McBride, assistant greenkeeper at Hillside and student at Myerscough College
6. Michael Russell, assistant greenkeeper at Ormskirk and student at Oldham College

The Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year finalists are:

1. Daniel Martin, first assistant at Farleigh Golf Club and student at Hadlow College
2. Ben Murchie, apprentice at Thorndon Park Golf Club and student at Berkshire College of Agriculture (Windsor Forest)
3. Sam Norman, apprentice at Abbey Hill Golf Club and student at Myerscough College
4. Caleb Overhill, apprentice at High Post Golf Club and student at Myerscough College
5. Jake Rose, apprentice at Moortown Golf Club and student at Askham Bryan College
6. Sam Trott, apprentice at Weymouth Golf Club and student at Bridgwater & Taunton College

Following the announcement, several of the endorsers who nominated students for the awards have spoken about their pride in their students’ achievements.

Nick Lush is sports turf tutor at Myerscough College and nominated Caleb Overhill. He said: “Caleb’s dedication to his college work has been exceptional. The greenkeeping industry is in safe hands when we have young learners like him coming through.”

David Byron is course manager at Thorndon Park Golf Club and nominated Ben Murchie. He said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to bits for Ben. He’s come a long way and I couldn’t be happier for him. This is the cherry on top that proves all the hard work was worth it.”

BIGGA Learning and Development Executive Deb Burnett was on the judging panel for the regional interviews and said: “The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year initiative is in its 34^th year and yet the awards continue to grow in stature with each passing instalment. As colleges, golf clubs, BIGGA, the Greenkeepers Training Committee and partners like Reesink UK collaborate to provide better and better learning opportunities for greenkeepers, we find that the standard of student greenkeepers across the UK continues to rise. That gives confidence that the future of the industry is in safe hands and we’re excited to welcome this year’s finalists to Carden Park in September for what stands to be another closely-contested competition. Congratulations to all the finalists!”

David Timms, national accounts manager at Reesink UK and Young award judge, said: “Not only did we have a record number of entries this year but the candidates were really strong, making the finalist selection difficult. It was especially pleasing to see applicants from all over the UK. We have a very strong group coming to the finals, where a challenging but invaluable couple of days awaits them.”

Further reaction from nominators and the finalists themselves can be viewed on the BIGGA website and the BIGGA YouTube channel.

Head to the BIGGA website for details of the incredible prizes on offer for the awards winners, runners-up and those who nominated candidates.