After 13 years, it’s time to pass the On Course baton to a new columnist, writes Ganton course manager Simon Olver
When I first started to write this column for Northern Golfer way back in issue 21 in February 2014, I hoped to offer readers a glimpse behind the scenes and show what it takes to maintain a golf course throughout the year. Over the last 13 years – while working at Percy Wood, Whitley Bay and Ganton – I’ve covered everything from winter recovery and championship preparation to agronomy, sustainability, biodiversity and resource management.
Writing these columns has been a genuine pleasure, and one of the most rewarding aspects has been hearing from golfers who have said they now look at their own golf course differently. I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about why certain decisions are made, the challenges greenkeepers face, and the skillset required to deliver as a modern sports turf manager.
Great golf courses don’t happen by chance; they are a result of robust and strategic planning delivered by passionate teams making hundreds of decisions every week to provide the best possible experience for golfers.
I’ve also tried to show that everything we do has one common aim – producing the best possible golfing experience.
As you may have guessed already, this will be my final column for Northern Golfer as I’m moving to a new role as an agronomist with The R&A. While I will be leaving day-to-day golf course management, I certainly won’t be leaving the game that has shaped my career.
Joining The R&A is something I have worked towards my entire career, and this opportunity was one I simply couldn’t turn down. Instead of focusing on one golf course, I’ll now have the privilege of working with clubs across the UK, Ireland and beyond.
I’ll be part of the team providing independent agronomic support and leadership for our industry – assisting clubs with long-term course development and helping them balance outstanding playing conditions with sustainability and environmental stewardship to ensure that golf is thriving in 50 years’ time and beyond.
I’d like to thank Northern Golfer editor Dean Bailey for his support over the years and say a huge thank you to everyone who has read the columns. Your comments, questions and encouragement have made writing them incredibly worthwhile. Thank you for reading, and enjoy your time on the golf course.
