For the golfers who enjoy a round at John Whites Golf Club, the perfectly manicured greens and fairways are often taken for granted. But behind the pristine appearance is a year-round battle against weather, pests, and disease, led by Head Greenkeeper, Alan Finch, and his small team.
Alan’s day starts at dawn, long before the first golfers arrive. “The first job is always to walk the course,” he says. “You’re looking for any issues that might have cropped up overnight. The weather is your biggest challenge and your best friend. Everything we do, from mowing patterns to when we apply feed, is dictated by the forecast.”
The job is a unique blend of art and science. It requires an expert understanding of turfgrass biology, soil science, and hydrology, combined with an intuitive feel for the landscape. “Every green has its own personality,” Alan notes, checking the firmness of the 9th hole. “This one gets more sun, that one holds more water. You have to treat them all as individuals.”
It’s a demanding job with long hours, but for Alan, it’s a labour of love. “There’s a huge amount of satisfaction in preparing the course and then seeing people out here enjoying it. When a golfer comes up to you and says the greens are rolling perfectly, that’s the best feedback you can get. It makes all the early mornings worthwhile.”