Nathan McKinniss, TurfNet student intern, County Louth Golf Club, Ireland

Background: I am a senior at the Ohio State University, and interned on the greens staff for two summers at Brookside Golf and Country Club. During the school year I work part time in the greens dept. but mostly Food and Beverage in the clubhouse. Every summer since I was 16 I have been employed with golf course maintenance.

Previous International Travel:  My international travel experience began two weeks ago when I flew to Ireland to start my internship (arranged through TurfNet and Mike O'Keeffe at Ohio State) at County Louth Golf Club, just north of Dublin.  I am doing a blog for TurfNet about my experiences there this summer.  I had never been out of the country before that.

Previous Tournament Experience:  Both summers at Brookside Golf and Country Club we hosted a U.S. Open Qualifier. That included all the preparations of tournament play without the large spectator factor. Similarly, we prepared for the country clubs member annual invitational. The members had the highest expectations for conditioning so it was our duty to deliver.

Role in Ireland:  During the Irish Open, I will be mowing the intermediate rough in the morning and members/ visitors tees in the afternoon. Im excited with these tasks and ready to get them done the best I can. The whole time I will also be learning all I can from this experience in Ireland.

Hope to Experience/Bring Back: I hope to bring back another perspective of turfgrass and tournament management practices. Im especially interested to learn how these practices differ due to climatic factors and smaller crew sizes. This volunteer opportunity will be rewarding when the final results of the Irish Open are seen, played and enjoyed! I cannot express my excitement through words, but I will with a wide smile ear to ear.