Written by: David Drummond
2025
In partnership with BIGGA (British and International Golf Greenkeepers’ Association), CAFRE (College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise) hosted the first ever First Green Initiative in Northern Ireland. This is a global programme which aims to educate young people on various aspects of sports turf maintenance.
Ballyclare Secondary School attended today to partake in activities in various sports turf topics, including performance standards, soil health, biodiversity, and tools and equipment used on the golf course. Some students headed straight for the assembled machinery on display, many of whom could not wait to sit on a greens mower or utility vehicle.
It was encouraging to see such interest and eagerness to learn it’s use, price and – of course – top speed! To me this proves that a career in greenkeeping is so much more than just cutting grass; one must be a gardener, supervisor, nutritionist and mechanic. This offers a great opportunity to indulge in whatever practice best suits the individual.
In summary, a successful event, which hopefully will encourage the next generation of greenkeepers and naturalists alike!
