The OSS, in partnership with EKOS Consultants, have launched the second stage of research exploring the need for, and potential benefits of a greenkeeping centre of excellence in South Ayrshire.
Following an original scoping and evaluating of enthusiasm for a greenkeeper academy in the West of Scotland, sparked by golf enthusiast Iain Tulloch, the OSS identified a number of interested stakeholders keen to explore the potential of new greenkeeping centre of excellence. The stakeholders engaged by the OSS in the project include the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A), Scottish Golf, South Ayrshire Council (SAC), Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), University of the West of Scotland (UWS), British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and Greenkeepers Training Committee (GTC), the Ayrshire Golf Association and South Ayrshire greenkeepers.
The second phase of work involves a high-level Feasibility Study that is now engaging key partners in analysing innovative approaches to greenkeeping that would help to shape Scottish and global thinking on sustainability in golf. It will develop insight to what a greenkeeper centre of excellence might look like, who would be involved in its funding and management, and what benefits it could be expected provide to various stakeholders, the Ayrshire and Scottish population and the long-term future of golf in Scotland and globally. The study will also seek to identify challenges and issues that might provide obstacles to such a venture.
This short-term project will conclude in June 2023, and seek to provide recommendations for the stakeholders based on the evidence of need and community support allied to the market assessment and viability of the project.
If you are interested in the research, please get in touch with OSS Research Manager Ryan Brown: ryan@oss.scot.
Thought Piece from Charlie Raeburn for Reform Scotland