Scholarship is a fair way to train future greenkeepers

GLENEAGLES Hotel, one of the world’s most prestigious golfing venues, is launching a greenkeeping scholarship.

The new programme will give nine people the chance to become fully qualified greenkeepers at the five-star Perthshire venue.

The scheme is designed to equip successful candidates with the practical and theoretical skills needed for a career in golf course management.

Candidates, male or female, will be able to complete up to a three-year paid apprenticeship, working towards an HND in golf course management.

Golf courses and estate manager Scott Fenwick, Gleneagles’ longest-serving member of staff, joined the hotel 36 years ago as a 16-year-old apprentice greenkeeper – and now leads its 57-strong greenkeeping and gardening team.

He said: ‘I had a dream of becoming a professional golfer but that was never going to happen. I realised a career in greenkeeping was a superb opportunity to still be involved in the sport. Over the years, greenkeeping has given me the chance to travel all over the world because it’s a profession that provides so many different opportunities.

‘It’s a complex science and a serious art. Presenting championship courses demands great skill, knowledge and tremendous attention to detail.

‘It’s hard work but it’s also rewarding to work as part of a big team to deliver courses that are respected all over the world.’

Gleneagles is home to three championship courses including the PGA Centenary Course designed by Jack Nicklaus, which hosted the 2014 Ryder Cup. The hotel will also host the European Championship next year and the Solheim Cup in 2019.

Director of golf Gary Silcock said: ‘Through this scholarship, we’re looking to train the golf course managers of the future.’