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This year,s finals were held in June at the NZSTI at Palmerston North. Due to previous commitments only four of the six selected finalists were able to make the day. Chris Biddick (Whitford Park), James O’Malley (Millbrook), Glen Clunie (Wairakei International), and William Harris (Gulf Harbour) were put through their pacers by the judging panel of Terry Sullivan, Nigel Lloyd, and Peter Munro.
 This year’s final exam was broken into four sections, a practical test, weed identification and control options, a formal presentation to the judging panel and a written report on a set task, all case scenarios that the judges felt these gentlemen will face sometime soon in their careers as superintendents. All of the finalists brought to the table their own style and presentation techniques. The research on the set tasks they had been asked to perform and their commitment to the day and the way they represented themselves is not only a credit to them individually but also to their employers and the associations they represented. As it always seems to be the way, on this day the contest was very close and all four finalist were within seven marks of each other once the day was completed.
The overall winner of the 2007 Graduate of the Year was James O'Malley from Millbrook.
This year was the 15th year that Jacobsen (Powerfarming) has supported this award and the commitment and passion that especially Terry Sullivan brings to this day allows NZGCSA to be truly independent. NZGCSA would like to thank the NZSTI for there help on the day and for the use of their facilities. To Palmerston North Golf Club for allowing us to use their course for a section of the practical test and special thanks to the judging panel of Peter Munro, Nigel Lloyd and Terry Sullivan whose commitment to this day and setting of the exam we greatly appreciate. James will receive a trip to the 2008 Australian Conference in Melbourne courtesy of Jacobsen. Applications for the 2008 Graduate of the Year will be called for early in the new year and the NZGCSA would encourage all regional associations to forward all eligible participates to partake in this event.
REGARDS
PETER BOYD
GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT
PAKURANGA COUNTRY CLUB |
