Neil Forsyth, greenkeeper and secretary of Allendale Golf Club, on his passion for his home club, switching from sheep farming to greenkeeping, and his hopes for the future of golf in rural Northumberland
Golf brings together people from all walks of life, each drawn to the game for a myriad of reasons. For some it’s a sporting challenge while others enjoy the scenic locations of golf courses. For Neil Forsyth – greenkeeper and secretary at Allendale Golf Club – it’s a deep love of his club.
“It’s definitely Allendale or nothing for my greenkeeping career,” says Neil.
Having decided against continuing his training as an accountant, Neil chose to work outside – on his family’s farm, primarily rearing sheep 1,000ft above sea level in the Pennines, and building drystone walls. A golfer since he was a child and a member of Allendale since 1999, his passion for golf and the sale of his farm in 2017 led him to the greenkeeping position in early 2018.
“I could drive a tractor and played to a decent standard – that was about it,” says Neil of his credentials for the role. “I thought someone was joking when they offered me the job without an interview, I knew nothing about greenkeeping. I had barely heard of any of the duties, but through lots of research and a huge amount of support, I got to it.”
The only employee of Allendale Golf Club, Neil is assisted by long-time volunteer greenkeeper Ian Robinson.
Neil began work on the course in early 2018, the same week as the Beast from the East covered Northumberland in a blanket of snow.
“My first job, after a bit of a delay, was to clear the debris once the snow melted,” says Neil. “The first day I cut the greens, Ian watched me do the ninth and walked back to the shed, so I guessed I’d be fine from there.
“I couldn’t have learned the ropes without Ian’s support. He’s volunteered here for a long time and without him we wouldn’t be in the position we are. David Thompson [head greenkeeper at Hexham Golf Club] has also been a huge help, particularly on some of the more technical aspects of course maintenance. I knew about fertilisers from farming, but I’d never aerated turf or sprayed a wetting agent. David walked the course with me very early on, shared a great deal of his knowledge, and pointed me in the right direction.
“I’ve been very lucky to work with good people throughout my first four years here. I’ve got to know good guys in the industry who supply our greenkeeping products, like Peter McMorran at GBR Amenity and Glen Baxter from Rigby Taylor, and they’ve been a huge help in choosing the right products and working within our budget.
“We’ve got a great group of members here too. They’re keen to see the golf course at its best and help out a lot when we need some more hands. Meanwhile our treasurer, Robin Down, has kept the whole club moving forward for the last 20 years.”
Under Neil’s stewardship, the golf course has progressed a great deal, earning high praise from members and visitors, including the Northumberland county boys team when they played a match against Cumbria at Allendale in 2021.
“Each year, I’ve learned a little bit more and taken the golf course a step forward. Having played a lot of golf over the years, I knew I had to start with the greens. We did the initial work on a very tight budget – starting with an old heavy roller to improve their trueness. As I’ve learned more, I’ve done more to improve the profile of the turf, including working with Benny Watts of North East Procore Services to hollow core them.
“To hear the praise of the members and visitors makes the hours of work, research and learning worth it. I was so proud to hear the praise from the county boys team when they played here. That’s why I do this, to have people come to Allendale, enjoy the course and tell people about it.
“We’ve always had tremendous views and I want to present a golf course to match.”
With a limited budget, Neil makes the absolute most of his equipment and materials. He has a small fleet of mowers and hand cuts the nine greens whenever possible. In autumn 2021, he sold the last of his sheep to be able to spend more time on the golf course in his fifth season here.
The work is already paying off for the club too. As well as the high praise received, green fees have more than doubled in the last two years – thanks in part to the pandemic and the increase in people playing golf, but also by an increase in return visitors and members joining as their primary or second club.
“We do the best we possibly can with our small budget,” says Neil. “We look after a great deal of the equipment ourselves and have invested wisely to ensure each new bit of kit improves what we’re doing.
“My aim is to take the course one step forwards each season. I’m a golfer and want to see and play on golf courses at their very best. We’re never going to be able to transform the course overnight, but we have a great passion for Allendale Golf Club.
“There’s nowhere better to work outdoors on a sunny day and I take great pride in hearing that our members enjoy playing here more each year. That’s a great reward when you’re so invested in the club and golf course.”
