The greenkeeper and the work behind every round of golf

Close to three decades working in the outdoors as a a full-time greenkeeper has proved a "rewarding experience" for Athlone's Gerry Dunning.

A brush with landscaping in the early noughties planted a seed for the chosen career which was to follow for the Luttrellstown Castle Resort Golf Club first assistant greenkeeper who has also tended to the fairways and greens of Athlone Golf Club, Millicent Golf Club and Abbeyleix Golf Club.

"Although I was working part-time with Manufacturing Services Ltd in Garrycastle, I had a longing to work in the outdoors and thankfully, I was offered that opportunity with a local landscaping business two days per week. I felt comfortable in that working environment and one I wanted to pursue," Gerry said.

After returning from a summer spent in the US in 2001, an opportunity arose to return to working life in the outdoors at Athlone Golf Club where he was appointed to the role of greenkeeper in early 2002.

"Yes, I had worked as a part-time landscaper, mowing lawns and cutting trees, but now this was similar work, but on a larger scale," Gerry added.

His working routine has remained the same in the years that have followed with an early morning rise now central to his job. The Barrymore, Kiltoom, native recently returned to Luttrellstown following a spell as head greenkeeper at Abbeyleix Golf Club in County Laois.

"At Luttrellstown Golf Club, the greenkeeper's aim for a 6am start, so my alarm clock is set for a 4.30am rise. I leave my house in Naas at 4.50am and have breakfast in the canteen at 5.30am before taking to the course," Gerry stated.

Upon arrival at the course, jobs are rostered for the team of eight greenkeepers and they then set about their daily tasks until approximately 4pm.

Occasional weekend work on the Castle Resort course starts at 5am with a 9am finish.

"There's a lot of variety in the job, weather depending. My main focus is to maintain the health and appearance of the fairways and greens and all outdoor features on the golf course," Gerry said.

The golf course greens, in particular, require most attention. Amid the current dry spell, Gerry said that it vital that they are "continuously watered" to "keep the grass alive".

"Thankfully, we have a 24-hour irrigation system at Luttrellstown Golf Course which helps to maintain our greens in great condition.

For golfers, it is essential to have a good, fast flow on the greens, where there is a good roll of the ball," Gerry added.

As the greens are mowed extremely tight, they can become susceptible to disease, similar to potato blight. It can be problematic for greenkeepers and be of major concern, but Gerry said there's a focus on ensuring the disease doesn't materialise and keep greens out of play, particularly in times of mild and damp weather.

While there are specific jobs afforded to each greenkeeper, Gerry said they all have the one aim of ensuring the course "looks and plays" as it should for club members and visitors to Luttrellstown Castle Resort.

Gerry brings a wealth of knowledge to his role, having completed a two year greenkeeper's course in the mid-noughties and continuously researches the most up-to-date methods to ensure he remains to the fore in his role.

There are approximately 1,600 golfing members at Luttrellstown Golf Club to appease so he knows he has to remain ontop of the latest greenkeeping developments.

"There can be over 200 golfers on the course at any one time so, as you can imagine, on-course maintenance is non-stop. You always have to leave a lasting impression on playing visitors also as green fees are a great source of income for the club," Gerry stated.

While there is a focus on the maintenance of fairways and greens, in times of inclement weather, when mowing the course is not possible, Gerry explains he "tends to the bunkers, trims up trees and removes falling leaves", continuously improving the aesthetics on the course.

Gerry is settling into his first assistant greenkeeper's role at Luttrellstown Golf Club following his return in June.

Prior to his return to the course owned by JP McManus, he was head greenkeeper at Abbeyleix Golf Club for 17 months, a role which he cites as the "proudest moment" of his career to date.

He is continuously "learning in the role" and as he reflects on his 24-year career, his advice to budding greenkeepers is to take on "as much advice and knowledge as possible" as they start their journey.

"I would also advise them to ask as many questions from their peers and not to be afraid to make mistakes on the course as grass will always grow," Gerry stated.

Reflecting on his chosen career path to date, Gerry said he should have "shown more interest" in the early stages of his job, but he added that "experience comes with age" and he is now in a role that brings him a sense of fulfilment.

"It's a pleasure to receive compliments from golfers about your work and how the course is continuously maintained in such great condition.

That makes this job all worthwhile," Gerry told the Westmeath Independent.