Abbey Hill apprentice selected to work at the Open

Related Articles

• Iseki UK to offer finance options
• Parkway turns to GKB to complete busy renovation season
• There is currently a 5% discount on Otterbine aerators

A member of Abbey Hill Golf Centre in Milton Keynes’ greenkeeping team has been selected to be part of the support team at this year’s Open Championship.

Sam Norman, who joined Abbey Hill in 2018, has been selected as one of just two apprentices who will join the support team at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in the week prior to the 151st Open. At the event, he’ll share responsibilities such as hand-mowing Hoylake’s greens, before joining the famed bunker raking squad that follows each group during the Open Championship tournament days.

“I’m very excited to head up to Royal Liverpool Golf Club for this summer’s Open Championship,” commented Norman. “To be selected as one of just two apprentices to join the greenkeeping team in July is a great honour, and I’m looking forward to having the chance to represent Abbey Hill and hopefully learn a huge amount at such a high-profile event.”

Colin Mayes, CEO of BGL, which runs Abbey Hill, added: “Everybody at BGL is extremely proud of Sam for being selected as one of just two apprentices to work at golf’s most historic event. We’re passionate and committed to supporting our staff in their endeavours to develop their careers. Whether it be via our internal learning platform or national programmes, we’re delighted to offer opportunities for personal and professional development and champion the success of our people.”

Since joining in 2018, Norman has grown to become one of Abbey Hill Golf Centre’s most valued employees. He secured a full-time role on the greenkeeping team in 2021, and his stellar efforts saw him recognised as Abbey Hill’s ‘Employee of the Year’ for 2022.