Strutt seals industry hat-trick

gWest course manager celebrates after racking up three prestigious greenkeeping accolades

A GREENKEEPER based at gWest in Perthshire has become the first turf manager ever to hold a hat-trick of top industry qualifications accredited by three worldwide greenkeeping bodies.

Lee Strutt, the course manager at the resort course near Gleneagles, is already a ‘Master Greenkeeper’ with the British International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and a Certified Golf Course Superintendent with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America(GCSAA).

Now, he’s become the first greenkeeper in history to achieve a third award, the Master Superintendent (MS) from the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA).

PRIVILEGED

Lee was presented with his MS designation by Christian Pilon, president of the CGSA, at BTME 2015, the renowned industry show for turf managers organised by BIGGA and held annually in Harrogate.

“I feel very privileged to become the first greenkeeper to achieve all three designations, and proud of the fact that I represent the UK and BIGGA as the first member to do this,” he said. “Knowing I would be breaking new ground was a real motivator.

“The MS was very intense. I had to try and focus on a whole range of subjects from agronomy to management for the exam with the added pressure of having to answer 300 questions in six hours, effectively one every 90 seconds.

“Without a doubt, I have gained so much both professionally and personally from this fantastic industry, learning from my peers and seeing so many people who have had an influence on my career at BTME 2015.

“My inspiration and drive came from one focal point in my life. Whilst at secondary school I was told publicly by my form tutor that ‘I would never amount to anything’. This made me very determined to achieve something!”

BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton was full of praise for Strutt, adding: “I’d like to congratulate Lee on a great achievement, we’re all very proud that a very active BIGGA member is the first greenkeeper ever to obtain these three awards.

“It sets a fantastic example in the industry where continual professional development is essential.”

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