A Hole in Honour Board of Management Since 2007
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NEWSDESK GI The latest news from around the globe Change at the top for BIGGA New BIGGA chairman Tony Smith officially took the reins from outgoing Andrew Mellon on the first afternoon of the Open Championships. Andrew Mellon, who is departing to become general manager of 11th hole at Carnoustie Golf Links Hydroturf in Qatar, handed the badge to current vice-chairman Tony Smith, of Teeside Golf club, who has been a member of the A Hole in Honour Board of Management since 2007. Tony thanked the now As reported in last month’s Green- with such a significant honour. ex-chairman for his terrific efforts keeper International, Carnoustie I have met and talked with John during his tenure, adding: “I Golf Links has made the momen- several times in the last few years, hope to keep the flag flying for the tous decision to honour the work and his passion for greenkeeping is Association.” of John Philp MBE, recently retired always apparent. Andrew said: “The members are Links Superintendent, by naming a “His kindness and willingness to the strength of the Association. hole in his honour. share his experience and knowledge The work you do can’t be On Friday 29 June the 383 with you also knows no bounds. I’ve underestimated – without you yard par four 11th hole on the been fortunate enough to attend there wouldn’t be any golf courses. Championship Course, host to several events at Carnoustie and I “We’ve got a fantastic, diverse seven Open Championships, was have not seen better turf condition and passionate team and wish you officially renamed John Philp. The anywhere.” all the best for the future.” 11th hole was chosen as it is close During his speech at the 11th The Board have formally to the Greenkeepers’ Maintenance hole John thanked many people elected Chippenham Golf Club’s Facility, the nerve centre of John’s including his mentor and green- Chris Sealey, who has been the operation for the past 27 years. keeping legend Walter Woods Board Member representative of Carnoustie Golf Links Manage- BEM who was present and the the South West and South Wales ment Committee chairman Gordon late Dalhousie Golf Club captain Region for four years, to be Vice Wilson said: “I think everybody Jock Calder, who played a leading Chairman in support of Tony knows how important John has role in bringing The Open back to Smith. Chris (right) is delighted been for Carnoustie and bringing Carnoustie. to accept and has the full The Open back here. He also highlighted the role support of his Golf Club who are “There was a lot of talk about played by the links staff. John said: thrilled with his appointment. hotels, access and improved facili- “I accept this tremendous honour ties, but the most important thing on behalf of everybody on my team, was the condition of the golf course. because at the end of the day it is “He is the man who secured that.” a team effort, and I am just a team Greenkeepers, caddies, the Golf leader. BIGGA Member hits A Technical Move for BIGGA L&D Links Management Committee, “That is what has made it all pos- friends and family joined chairman sible, along with the investment of the Headlines in As the focus of BIGGA continues valuable experience within the Gordon Wilson to express the great the management committee over to be on developing the greenkeeper education system depth of appreciation felt for Mr the years.” Local US Newspaper Learning and Development having had more than eight Philp and his contribution to golf. He was a spectator during the Colin McLeod, golf services man- 1968 Open at Carnoustie, and International member, Sean Sullivan, golf course pathway for members it has years service as a greenkeeper superintendent at Billings Country Club in Montana, moved to strengthen the L&D including time at Gleneagles and ager at Carnoustie Golf Links, said: explained he had no idea where his “This is a rare thing in golf and even love of golf would lead him. He said: north USA, was featured ahead his involvement in the Department. Bushey Hall Golf Club.” BIGGA Open Support Team this July. Stuart Green, formerly of “I’m really looking forward to rarer on an Open Championship “Little did I know when I came here course. in 1968 to the Open Championship The coverage shows the interest that being part of this Askham Bryan College, has working for BIGGA,” says prestigious event can generate, and one of the many joined as L&D Executive. Stuart. “The last renaming of a hole on to watch Gary Player in the final the course was in 2003, which round that I would end up here. rewards being a BIGGA member can bring. He joins long serving L&D “Education is fundamental Congratulations to Sean for making his local media Manager, Sami Collins and L&D to the professional standing of marked 50 years since Ben Hogan “It’s been a great privilege and won The Open Championship at pleasure working at Carnoustie, aware of his involvement, and of the contribution from the Executive, Rachael Duffy. greenkeepers and BIGGA is at entire BIGGA support team Stuart brings a wealth the forefront of delivering and Carnoustie.” just as I did at St Andrews. BIGGA Chairman, Andrew “I have a great many happy mem- A full review of the Open, from Royal Lytham & St of technical greenkeeping supporting its members. Annes, featuring photographs and quotes from the knowledge alongside his “This is where I want to be.” Mellon said, “I am so pleased to see ories from my career and a lot of Johns lifelong efforts recognised them are from here in Carnoustie.” support team, is on pages 32-37. 6 GI AUGUST 2012 AUGUST 2012 GI 7.