Northern Golfer greenkeeping columnist Simon Olver is settling into his new role as golf course manager at Ganton.
Simon, who joined Ganton in late 2020 after six years at Whitley Bay, said: “I’ve always wanted to work on a world-class golf course, so having the opportunity to join Ganton was a dream come true.
“The course is a traditional fine turf layout with architectural elements from some of the greatest golf course designers in the history of the game. It’s also laid out on a stunning piece of land close to the coast and the North York Moors, and I’m very excited to have the opportunity to manage it. I’m looking forward to helping the club progress, alongside the world-renowned architects from Mackenzie & Ebert, and seeing what we can achieve in the years ahead.”
Having joined Dunstanburgh Castle as a 16-year-old apprentice, Simon rose to head greenkeeper in his 10 years on the Northumberland coast before joining Percy Wood in 2008. He went on to join Whitley Bay as course manager in 2014, overseeing remodelling of several holes, species transition of the putting surfaces and achieving GEO Certification, which recognises the club’s sustainable practices.
“While I’d always dreamt of working on a course like Ganton, and it was an easy decision to make the move at this point in my career, I have incredibly fond memories of my time at Whitley Bay,” added Simon. “The greenkeeping team at Whitley Bay is incredibly passionate and I’m sure Mark Hollingsworth and the guys will bring the course on to the next level in the years ahead.”
Ranked number 77 in the World’s Top 100 Golf Courses by top100golfcourses.com, Ganton holds an important place in British golf and will host the Brabazon Trophy and the R&A Senior Amateur Championship in 2021.
