News Summary
The Mid Ocean Club is providing its greenkeeping staff with volunteer opportunities at prestigious golf tournaments across the U.S. This initiative enhances their skills in golf course management and offers professional growth. Notable successes include Kaleyo James, who is furthering his studies in turf management, and Jemeeko Smith, who volunteered at the FedEx Cup Championship. The program aims to broaden staff experiences and contribute to maintaining the club’s top rank among golf clubs worldwide.
The Mid Ocean Club: Aiming Higher with Volunteer Opportunities for Greenkeepers
The Mid Ocean Club is taking an innovative approach to empower its greenkeeping staff through exciting volunteer opportunities at big-time golf events around the United States. This initiative is all about giving team members the chance to enhance their skills in golf course management while also enjoying a bit of adventure outside of their usual routine at the club.
Empowering Staff through Experience
So how exactly does this work? Well, the club has rolled out a program that sees four of its dedicated greenkeepers step into the spotlight at major golf tournaments. These are not just any events; we’re talking about prestigious occasions that can truly bolster their professional experience. Recently, one notable participant, Kaleyo James, has been funded to further his studies in turf management at a top university in the U.S. He represents the kind of growth this program aims to achieve. At just 23 years old, Kaleyo is diving into a two-year program at Rutgers University, and the club is covering his tuition. From starting with no prior experience in the field, he’s on track to transition into a management role once he completes his studies. That’s what we call investment in talent!
A Dream Come True for Greenkeepers
The first few volunteers from the club have already seen incredible benefits. Jemeeko Smith, a foreman at the Mid Ocean Club, has enjoyed the opportunity to volunteer at the FedEx Cup Championship for two consecutive years. It’s an experience that has not only been valuable for his career but has undoubtedly sparked a passion for the extensive world of turf management. Then there’s Matt Jackson, who made the leap from the Mid Ocean Club to become the manager of Liverpool FC’s pitch in the UK after his time volunteering the FedEx Cup. Talk about a career jumpstart!
Broadening Horizons
Clarke Trott and Jeffroy Warner are also among the club’s greenkeepers who set off to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am this past January. Events like these allow them to interact with experts in the field, share knowledge, and return to the Mid Ocean Club bursting with fresh ideas. The club’s director of agronomy, Kenton Brunson, has initiated this program with the goal of broadening the staff’s experience far beyond Bermuda. It’s a win-win situation – the club members cover their own flight costs, while the host clubs generously provide accommodation, meals, and clothing for the staff. This makes the experience not only enriching but cost-effective for the Mid Ocean Club!
Drawing New Perspectives
Every greenkeeper that gets to volunteer returns with new perspectives and innovative ideas that contribute to improving the golfing experience at Mid Ocean Club. With a commitment to excellence, these insights are vital in maintaining the club’s status as the only golf club in Bermuda ranked in the top 100 golf clubs worldwide.
A Club Committed to Growth
Overall, the Mid Ocean Club’s initiative is a fantastic example of how investment in staff goes hand-in-hand with the pursuit of excellence in golf course management. By enabling greenkeepers to gain hands-on experience at major events in the United States, the club is not only empowering its staff but also ensuring that it remains a leader in the golf world. It’s all about fostering talent and creating opportunities that lead to growth—both for individuals and the club as a whole. After all, what could be better than combining work with a love for golf at some of the most prestigious events? Who knows what the future holds for these dedicated greenkeepers as they continue to learn, grow, and aspire to greatness!
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Additional Resources
- Royal Gazette: Bermudian Greenkeepers Prepare Courses for Best Golfers in the World
- Google Search: Mid Ocean Club Golf
- Royal Gazette: Mid Ocean Club Fined $5000 for Tree Felling
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Bernews: Mid Ocean Ladies Raise $10K for SCARS
- Google Search: Golf Course Management
- Golf.com: The Best Hole I Ever Played – 13th Mid Ocean
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Greenkeeping
- GCM Online: Man on the Move
- Google News: Greenkeepers
