Greenkeeper, Alex Newenham from Douglas Golf Club in Cork was the lucky person chosen by John Deere and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of Ireland (GCSAI) to travel to The Players Championship in Sawgrass, Florida as part of John Deere’s volunteer programme to prepare for the tournament.

Alex Newenham at the Players Championship Sawgrass

Each year John Deere select six BIGGA members and one GCSAI member to be part of the volunteer team, where volunteers help prepare the ‘course set up’ for The Players Championship, one week before the tournament begins, and during the tournament itself.

Alex was delighted to have been chosen and had an amazing experience.

“My journey started with an interview in November to become the GCSAI representative on the John Deere volunteer programme at TPC Sawgrass” said Alex. “This was quickly followed by an official unveiling and press photo-shoot in BTME Harrogate late in January. The excitement really started then when I met up with the BIGGA boys from GB and Denmark. The care we got from John Deere and Sharon Milne in the office was great. Sharon organised everything for us and was so accommodating in every aspect. We were due to return home on my daughters birthday and I was scheduled to get home close to midnight, Sharon was able to change a few things around and got me home in time for dinner and birthday cake. My time in Sawgrass taught me that one of the differences between a golf course and a great golf course is simply the little things and the attention to the little details, a character exemplified by John Deere that I found when dealing with the small matter of getting home for a birthday.

"I can’t begin to describe the opportunities I had during my time there for professional development. Before I went out I had expected to be raking bunkers, possibly cutting fairways. I had dreamed of cutting the 17th green. Nothing could have prepared me for the task I was assigned for the week: Justin (an intern with the Ohio State Programme) and I were given responsibility for moisture consistency on the back nine greens. The 17th was one of the first places I went in the morning and one of the last places I went in the evening, it felt like our office for the week.

“Since I’ve been back people have asked me what my next step is going to be. A fair question as I’ve been in the same job for 14 years. As far as I know there are no really interesting opportunities on the horizon. However, having seen what can be done and met passionate greenkeepers from around the globe, I have got the bit between my teeth to progress. Having been encouraged no end by the people I have met during my time in Sawgrass from Greenkeepers, to agronomists, to sales reps, to superintendents and golfers, I feel far more equipped to reach out and grab future opportunities when they present themselves. I’m excited for the the future of golf course management and presentation and the role I could play in that. I have learned so much and gained invaluable experience thanks to the John Deere volunteer programme.”