This is one of the jobs which comes into the category of “groundsperson”. Gardeners with huge gardens to look after! Local authorities are responsible for the design and management of a range of outdoor areas – from woodland and parks to pedestrian zones and the grounds of public buildings.

The greenkeeper of a golf course is not only responsible for the maintenance of three or four miles of countryside for the sake of the players but for the public to walk themselves and their dogs. It might be a golf course for some, but it is a right of way for others. And sometimes the two groups conflict with each other. Dogs are no respecter of sandy bunkers and well kept greens!

Groundspersons are employed by all authorities except county councils and some functions are contracted out. Clearing and pruning dense woodland may be done by a private firm, for instance. Some councils call this type of post “gardener”.

Work Environment

Inevitably this is entirely outdoors unless the weather makes it impossible to go out, giving the head greenkeeper and his small staff a chance to repair and service their equipment. The setting may be well spread out downland involving a good deal of walking as most of the work entails the use of hand machines, though there are mechanized buggies for grass cutting of fairways and greens. Or, on a ‘links’ course it may be flat and sandy which means using different maintenance techniques. There is a land rover available for transporting equipment and team across vast areas of countryside.

Except for the cursing of the golfers, there is no noise except from the birds and the wind in the trees. It is a very healthy working environment but difficult at times because the weather is so changeable - as are the moods of some players who can be very critical if the putting greens are not state of the art surfaces.

Overalls and safety boots are provided. Hours worked are often anti social and amount to 45 in summer and 32 in the winter. Throughout the year, greenkeepers will be at work very early, depending on the weather.

Daily Activities

The main tasks are grass cutting and keeping the council and golfers happy by not interfering with play too much. Working around the approach of yet another set of players, stopping and starting until they pass, can be very frustrating.

But there is much more to the job than that. Greens need great care: removing dew, debris – usually in the form of rabbit droppings – dressing and treating with special chemicals to encourage the right growth of grass and the best surface; sand bunkers need raking and clearing; litter picking and emptying bins are everyday tasks. Greenkeepers wage a difficult war against wear and tear and damage caused by badgers and other animals. Grassy banks need autumn and spring renovation, tees need enlarging and returfing. The overall objective is to improve the golf course within the tight budget limitations imposed by the council.

The groundsperson will have regular contact with his managers from the council, the greens committee (golfers), golfers and dog walkers but use individual initiative while working within a team.

Skills & Interests

To do this job well you would need to have:

• practical ability
• attention to detail
• interest in the countryside
• a head for figures
• ability to get on with people and be diplomatic.

You must also be able to use your initiative because you could be on our own all day. As one job finishes you should be able to decide what to do next depending on the time he weather without being told. And you need to be fit!

Entry Requirements

Most groundspersons will have started as trainees directly from school/college. There is on-the-job training and, though vocational qualifications are not necessary, most people will attend college for city and guilds certificates.

Estimated salary range

From £12,000 (more in the private sector).

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

Future prospects & opportunities

This is a narrow field of work and it is competitive. Once you have attained foreman status – moving up from assistant greenkeeper, greenkeeper to head greenkeeper - the next step up could be golf course manager. Though you could progress by moving departments or councils. You can, for example go to other areas of grounds maintenance, to private gardens or golf courses. Promotion is dependent on experience and further qualifications and you can aim for the top job of Contracts Manager.

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