Mar30 newoldcoursegreenkeeper
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Gordon McKie has just been handed the most coveted greenkeeping role in world golf – head greenkeeper at the world famous Old Course at St Andrews, Scotland.
Not that the main man had to move far to take up the plum job. It’s a case of out with the new and in with the old for Gordon who was previously head greenkeeper at the neighbouring New Course for two years!
He will take charge of the Old Course next month and his immediate task will be to continue the preparations on the venerable links for the staging of the Women’s British Open in August and further ahead the Curtis Cup next year and The Open Championship in 2010.
Gordon takes over from Euan Grant who is moving on to a similar role at a new development in the Mull of Kintyre after three years at the Old Course.
Having worked for St Andrews Links Trust for 12 years, Gordon said he’s very proud to be taking over at the Old Course. “It is a privilege to work on the most famous course in the world. The history and tradition surrounding the Old Course makes it unique and it is continually under the glare of the international media spotlight.
“I am very much looking forward to maintaining the exceptionally high standard of the course and ensuring it continues to set the benchmark for links courses around the world.”
Alan McGregor, general manager of St Andrews Links Trust, commented: “There’s no doubt this is one of the most challenging and demanding greenkeeping roles in golf and in Gordon I am confident that we have someone who is more than up to the task. With his skills and experience of working at St Andrews over the years and at previous Open championships, I’m sure he will relish the challenge
“Gordon will work closely with the Links Superintendent Gordon Moir and the greenkeeping team on preparing the Old Course for the upcoming major championships.”
Born in Glasgow and brought up in Tain, Ross-shire, Gordon began his career with an apprenticeship at Tain Golf Club. He studied at Elmwood College and became deputy head greenkeeper at Tain in 1989. He joined St Andrews Links Trust in December 1995 as deputy head greenkeeper of the Eden Course. Five years later he became head greenkeeper before moving to the New Course as head greenkeeper in January 2005.