Michael Russell, 31, has been crowned the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year 2023.
The 2023 final took place on Tuesday 5th September at Carden Park in Cheshire.
This annual competition, hosted by Toro, BIGGA and Reesink UK, aims to find the nation’s best up-and-coming greenkeepers.
As part of the process, contenders are tested on their knowledge of greenkeeping tasks and procedures, and quizzed on their wider industry awareness, personal goals, professional development they’ve undertaken and more.
“I was delighted to win,” says Michael, who is currently working towards a Level 3 Advanced Golf Greenkeeper apprenticeship with Oldham College and his employer, Ormskirk Golf Club.
“Since changing careers at the age of 27, I’ve gained lots of experience in greenkeeping by taking every opportunity I can. I’ve enjoyed networking and getting out as much as possible, and I haven’t looked back,” Michael says.
This experience includes putting himself forwards for a range of different initiatives, such as the ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship in 2022, working at tournaments and greens across the UK, and even reaching the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year finals in 2021 – which you can read more about here: Oldham College apprentice comes to the ‘fore’!
Michael also undertook the Jacobsen Future Turf Managers Initiative between September 2022 and January 2023, which improved his knowledge further before heading into the finals.
“Keeping up to date with the industry, and having these things ‘on my CV’, has gone a long way.”
Winning the competition will certainly help Michael to advance his career even further – with the top prize including:
“I’m looking forward to making the most of the competition prizes, and seeing where my career leads in the future,” says Michael.
Phil Lomas, Michael’s tutor, adds: “Michael has been an outstanding student from day 1, he’s very committed and has completed work to a very high standard. This win is very well deserved, I’m very pleased for him and am sure he will go on to achieve more in the future.”
Congratulations to Michael from everyone at Oldham College!
Learn more about the Sports Groundkeeping apprenticeships we offer.
Photographs supplied by BIGGA and Reesink UK.
