Scotland: Hat trick for Perthshire greenkeeper

A Perthshire greenkeeper has become the first turf manager ever to hold a hat trick of top industry qualifications.

Lee Strutt, course manager at gWest, is already a master greenkeeper with BIGGA and is certified with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.

Now he’s become the first greenkeeper in history to achieve a third award, from the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association.

The greenkeeper, who is now officially Lee Strutt PGdip, MG, AGS, CGCS, MS, said: I feel very privileged to become the first greenkeeper to achieve all three designations, and proud of the fact that I represent the UK and BIGGA as the first member to do this. Knowing I would be breaking ground was a real motivator.

“My inspiration and drive came from one focal point in my life. While at secondary school I was told publicly by my form tutor that ‘I would never amount to anything’. This made me very determined to achieve something.”

Lee began his agronomic career as a trainee at Bath in 1984, then enjoyed spells at Broadstone, Knighton Heath and The Dudsbury, where he secured his first deputy course manager role.
‘I was told I would never amount to anything’ In 1994 he moved to The Richmond, before being made course manager in 1997. He became the construction and grow-in superintendent at gWest in 2008.

BIGGA’s Jim Croxton said: “I’d like to congratulate Lee on a great achievement, we’re all very proud that a very active BIGGA member is the first greenkeeper to ever obtain these three awards.

“It sets a fantastic example in the industry where continual professional development is essential.”

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