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I began my apprenticeship in January 1985 under NZGCSA Life Member Gordon West at Auckland Golf Club. Gordon was one of the instigators of the apprenticeship scheme for golf course greenkeeping and as it turned out I was the final apprentice he would train (people still believe I drove him to retirement).
Looking back on those early days the time, commitment and work ethics that Gordon instilled in me has certainly served me well in my career in the turf industry. Gordon retired just as I was beginning my final year of my apprenticeship and I was once again very fortunate to have my training taken over by a man who was passionate about teaching people and who I believe was before his time in our industry, Mike Finlayson.
My OE experience following my training included three seasons at the Worthing Golf Club on the South Coast of England. Upon returning home a sojourn over the fence working for another long standing identity of our industry, Peter Barwell, not only keep me in touch with this industry but taught me a whole new set of life skills and developed me as a person and I am indebted to Peter and Catherine for my time with them.
Eight years as Assistant Superintendent at The Grange Golf Club to Garth Williams was a period of not only great learning of new skills but was a time when I was fortunate to work amongst a team of good guys and friends and I was lucky enough to be involved in high profile events like the NZ Open. As important as learning your trade through your apprenticeship/training is, the experiences and learning you do as a 2IC I believe is just as important and sadly for a variety of reasons is a step that many young superintendents miss through a variety of reasons today.
I have been in my current role as Superintendent at Pakuranga Country Club for four years now. My involvement through the AGCSA began through committee level,
culminating in being President, along with delegate’s duties before being elected to the National Executive and now as National President. We all have something to offer this wonderful industry in some capacity, and as all the people who have shared their knowledge and time with me I am pleased to be able to hopefully offer something back. As with all people who get involved in these sorts of things the support of the people and clubs I have worked for I am indebted to as well as my family, my wife Ursula and two beautiful children, Jarrod and Teagan, who certainly have that great ability to put everything into perspective and keep you on your toes!
I look forward to carrying on the work of our association as National President as we continue to move forward in what should be exciting times for our industry .
PETER BOYD
NZGCSA
President |
