WILMSLOW Golf Club’s course manager Steve Oultram is heading to the Golf Industry Show in America as part of his prize for nominating the club’s former greenkeeper Daniel Ashelby, who won the prestigious Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award 2018.

Steve is looking forward to the all-expenses paid trip to San Diego in February for nominating Daniel in his bid to win the coveted trophy and is looking forward to bringing home first-hand knowledge on the latest products and services to benefit the golf industry.

He saID: “I’m really excited about my trip to the Golf Industry Show, it’s going to be a great opportunity to network with some of the industry’s leading people in golf and learn about what we may expect to see in the UK, and at The Wilmslow Golf Club, in the future.”

Soon after Steve nominated Daniel, Daniel relocated to another club, but Daniel hasn’t forgotten his roots and dedicates his victory to The Wilmslow Golf Club and his former course manager.

He said: “Steve has been really supportive and I’m thankful to him for everything he’s done for me. He’s a big inspiration and was the one who encouraged me all along and to apply for the award.”

Winning the prestigious award brings Daniel six weeks of education at the University of Massachusetts Winter School (UMass) for Turf Managers on a world class certificate programme.

He will also travel to the Golf Industry Show in San Diego, where he will meet up with Steve, and the Toro factory in Minnesota.

Talking of his prize after having started his six-week course, Daniel said: “After my first week of winter turf school I must extend my utmost thanks to Reesink Turfcare for the experience they have presented to me.

“My passion for education has been well engaged and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn under some of the most learned professionals in America.

“My viewpoints have been challenged and my horizons broadened, and while the workload is intense, I have immensely enjoyed experiencing American culture and making new friends. I feel only enormous gratitude for the life changing opportunity that I have been lucky enough to receive and thank everyone who has helped me to achieve this.”

Steve said: “It’s so important to encourage young people as they are the greenkeepers of tomorrow. During Daniel’s two years at the club we saw him develop massively and really come out of his shell. Winning this award, which is widely respected within the industry, and his trip to America, is only going to help him develop more.

“Without greenkeepers there would be no golf. As a course manager and club, it’s our duty to nurture the talents of the younger generation. It’s a close-knit industry and we’ll definitely be staying in touch with Daniel to see where his career takes him. I have no doubt he will go far, and I will feel very proud watching that journey.”

As the 30th winner of the award, Daniel now joins an elite group of the very best up-and-coming young greenkeepers, many of whom have gone on to become course managers or head greenkeepers. Award sponsor Reesink Turfcare’s managing director David Cole said: “We’re very proud of the status the student award holds within the industry and the opportunity it provides for career advancement over the years.

“But without those who nominate their greenkeepers we wouldn’t find the talent we do, hence why we reward those, like Steve, who let us know about their bright and shining stars. Daniel’s success is a testament to the excellent support he received from The Wilmslow Golf Club.”

Course manager Steve Oultram, right, being presented with a ceremonial plaque by Reesink Turfcare managing director David Cole.