Tuesday in Harrogate started with a General Session in Royal Hall featuring Olympic Golf Course Superintendent Neil Cleverly and International Golf Federation representative Anthony Scanlon on the main stage. The session was moderated by the BBCs Naga Munchetty. Cleverly is no stranger to TurfNet as he was interviewed during the Olympics when TurfNet was the only turf media on the ground during the games. Read the interview here.

Neil Cleverly (left)giving additional insight on Building and Maintaining the Olympic Golf Course

The BBCs Naga Munchetty leads the General Session on the Olympic Golf Course

TurfNet member Rodney Hine of Boston Golf Club (Hingham, MA) was also familiar with Neil from his work with architect Gil Hanse. The one-hour session gave additional insight into the challenges of building and maintaining a golf course in a country with virtually no history of golf.

The next evening Neil Cleverly joined us for dinner for more behind the scenes stories on his experiences in Rio.

After another full day of education, BIGGA brought everyone back to Royal Hall for the Opening Reception. The fast-paced ceremony included many award-winners from around the UK, but we were especially pleased to be on hand when TurfNet member Matthew Wharton (Carolina Golf Club, Charlotte, NC) received his Master Greenkeeper certification.

 

TurfNet member Matthew Wharton receives his Master Greenkeeper certification

The group was quick to congratulate TurfNet Member Matt Wharton on his BIGGA Master Greenkeeper certification.

 

Rodney Hine of Boston Golf Club and Neil Cleverly catch up over dinner. Rodney knew Neil from his work with Gil Hanse.