By Anthony L. Williams, MG, CGCS, CGM
A Turf Pirate’s Journal
International Waters
Me and greenkeepers from Royal County Down GC (Northern Ireland) brooming topdressing in 2010
Ahoy Turf Pirates and Congratulations on making it through another summer! The trials and tribulations of a turf pirate ease a bit in Fall and Spring so I hope you find your peace and prosperity while sailing on toward the horizon. I am reminded this time of year just how far the turf industry has carried me. Some time ago I took up the quest of becoming a Master Greenkeeper. It was an epic journey. I have been blessed as a turf pirate to work (and Play) across the United States and abroad. It was in Ireland in 2010 that the notion of becoming a Master Greenkeeper first took root but some things must be done in a given season (Turf Pirate Rule #12) and as it turns out the 2020/21 pandemic was that season for me. A few quick way points of clarity. Turf connects us all and the golf turf folks have even deeper roots and those roots began in the United Kingdom and that is BIGGA (British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association) territory. I have been a CGCS for many years and I hold many other industry certifications but Master Greenkeeper (MG) stands apart. The MG process is tough (The BIGGA staff were amazing shout out to Deb Burnett for all the help) Phase one is a vetting of experience and education, Phase two is an inspection of your facility by two experts (shout out to Alan Hess MG (#55 Class of 2010), CGCS 54
and Jorge Croda, CGCS). Phase three is a gate keeper consisting of two three hour written tests, the first is technical questions and the second is a case study. Written MG exams are scheduled twice per year (April and October). The tests are tough but fair and it makes the process even more rewarding. I also started an epic virtual walk (1,084 miles or 1,742.9 Kilometers and yes the testing is in metric not imperial measure and pounds not dollars) across the United Kingdom through the Conqueror’s Challenge. I walked, I worked
I studied, I prayed and persevered. Five souls were deemed worthy of the MG mantle in May 2021, I was one of them. I am MG #82. In over 30 years of overseeing the program BIGGA has awarded only 85 MG certificates to date. In the MG brotherhood your number is important and part of the tradition. My Club added a special item to the menu #82’s special pasta and had a Turf Pirate worthy football jersey made in Green and Gold (ABAC colors for those who GEE, Haw, Whoa, Back) The phone call with the good news is another big moment as I do not get many calls from Yorkshire, England. I also had the honor in the MG class of 2021 to be the most vintage (years of age for the youngsters) of the lot by quite a few years giving truth to the axiom that it’s never too late to up your game. You see Turf Pirates always live life as a great adventure, even the valleys are noteworthy. They ask what’s next and where? Who will be our comrades and should this one be the last verse of our life’s song let’s make it worthy of the of the angel’s choir. Everyone has a path in this world and some hove more than one. This month’s question is, are you shaking your fist at the storms of life, planted firmly on the rock walking in the light or has fear and doubt caused you to drift? Raise your colors Turf Pirates life is what we make of it, sail on, even into international waters!
My Managers and I after I completed the virtual walk across the UK with 8.2 (MG#82) mile walk on the courses Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 7
