The history of the GTC
Prior to the GTC, the Standing Conference for Golf Greenkeeping was formed to co-ordinate training courses in greenkeeping.
Greenkeeper training for many years, probably since 1912, has developed thanks to the greenkeeping associations – originally the Golf Greenkeepers Association (GGA) and subsequently the British Golf Greenkeepers Associations (BGGA), Scottish and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (SIGGA) and from 1985 an English and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (EIGGA).
It has to be said that during the period 1912 – 1962 the employers relied on staff who had experience and had learned from their predecessors (many of whom were reluctant to share their experience and knowledge) and much of the training was by trade representatives at evening lectures and until the mid-sixties no formal training was available at agricultural or horticultural colleges.
During the sixties and early seventies courses were developed from horticulture and it was only when the Standing Conference was formed that employers finally started to become involved with greenkeeper training.
From the mid seventies and into the eighties the GTC were meeting twice a year with little funding and probably the one most influential decision the committee made was to nominate GTC 'Approved' Colleges which were the ones developing specific greenkeeper training courses relevant to the industry.
In 1987 the BGGA, SIGGA and EIGGA amalgamated and the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association BIGGA was formed. The GTC decided to release the 'honorary administrators' and the position was given to the new Executive Director of BIGGA who would administrate both organisations.
In 1989 the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews circulated 'The Way Forward' document and a most important development soon followed. The Home Unions agreed then to contribute 2p per male golfer to the GTC and a per capita levy is still in place. This finally gave the GTC funds to develop greenkeeper training. For every penny raised by the Home Unions through the per capita levy the Royal and Ancient also contribute the same amount. A grant is also made from the PGA European Tour.
The GTC now has two full time officers - Education Director David Golding and Administration Assistant Fiona Lyttle.
The official objectives of the GTC are:-
- To maintain the position as a Leading Body in the industry and to contribute to establishing standards of education, training and qualifications which conform to prevailing governmental policies
- To improve and promote the education and training of all golf greenkeepers and generally to further their interests in the field of education
- To collaborate with educational and scientific establishments in deciding on the syllabus for training of greenkeepers and the required standards of examination
- To co-operate with all greenkeeping Associations in the furtherance of education and training for their members
The following bodies are entitled to appoint an elected member to serve on the Board of Directors:
- The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews
- English Golf Union
- Scottish Golf Union
- Golf Union of Wales
- British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association
The Management Committee shall invite the following organisations to nominate a technically competent representative to serve on a Technical Committee:
- Home Unions
- GTC Liaison Officer
- British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association
- Sports Turf Research Institute
- British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association Master Greenkeeper
In addition the Management Committee may invite specialist advisors from time to time.
The responsibilities of the Technical Committee are to assist the Education Director:-
a) To propose to the Management Committee activities of the GTC in line with the GTC's business plan
b) To carry out these activities
c) To produce budgets for these activities
d) To identify the priorities for training
