BARNARD Castle Golf Club is on the hunt for a head greenkeeper to look after its tees, greens and fairways.
The course is being tended by an acting greenkeeper and a general greenkeeper following the departure of the previous head to pastures new.
Greens convenor Adam Dobson, who acts as liaison between the ground-keeping team and the club committee, said the position would be ideal for a greenkeeper with a depth of experience wanting to “make a name for themselves”.
Not only will the new head greenkeeper be responsible for the course, but also its woodland areas. Mr Dobson said: “It is a niche market. It is not just about cutting grass, you need to be able to do a lot of things like irrigation, fertilizing, spraying and general green-keeping.
“You have to look after the woodland and the wildlife. The right person will have the wealth of experience elsewhere. We want someone to make a name for themselves and showcase the golf course.”
The ground staff have an early start from 6am in the summer, having to cut the greens each day and the fairways and tee boxes every other day.
Mr Dobson said: “They will start at the first hole at six in the morning and by the time the golfers are teeing off they are away around on the 15th.
“But they get to go home early and enjoy the afternoon.”
Fortunately, the course is in good nick thanks to the 43 years’ experience acting head-greenkeeper Michael Dixon has under his belt, making it easier for the new incumbant.
Mr Dobson said: “They will have landed on their feet really.”
Thanks to the course condition the club has been selected to host a Faldo series event for junior golfers. Mr Dobson said: “It is very much a coup for the course. We want to get the junior numbers up. They are the future of the club and we are trying to promote that more.”
The club currently has about 420 members.
