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Golf Monthly
Golf Monthly
Sport
Jonny Leighfield

'We've Been Closed For Almost Six Weeks Already This Winter, I've Never Known Anything Like It' - A British Greenkeeper On Battling Tough Conditions, Being Appreciated, And Finding The Next Generation

A general view of a green with a large puddle just next to it.

For the thousands of greenkeepers across Britain and Ireland, carrying out their respective jobs over the harsh winter months can be an extremely difficult task. There is an increased amount of rain fall, the winds pick up, and the temperatures plummet - all while many of the more hardy players continue to brave the elements and demand to play whenever they choose.

But what is it like for the people whose job it is to take care of the hallowed turf at the 3,500-plus throughout the British Isles? How have they coped with the increased demand? And what are the biggest challenges when the nastiest weather hits? Do they simply keep their fingers crossed that the weather is just kind enough to prevent any disasters or are preventative measure taken? And how can you help?

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