Buchanan
Castle GC’s course manager, Ronnie Myles, retires on May 29 after 50 years’
greenkeeping, the last 15 years as head greenkeeper at the Drymen club.
In a busy career, Ronnie has also
worked at clubs in East Kilbride, Erskine, Scarcroft, Cathkin and Helensburgh.
At least 12 of the staff he has trained have gone on to become head
greenkeepers themselves.
Photo: Left to right - Jim Paton (BIGGA Vice-President); Ronnie Myles (BIGGA President); Gordon McKie (BIGGA Chairperson); and John Shaftoe (Buchanan Castle Club Captain) BIGGA.
Ronnie’s last two purchases have
been from dealer Fairways GM at Inchinnan, to help the team at Buchanan Castle
maintain quality of presentation.
First to arrive, at the start of
the year, was a Wiedenmann Super 500, four-in-one collector, sweeper scarifier,
and its versatility has been a revelation at the James Braid-designed course.
“It was still winter and the
difference it made was unbelievable,” said Ronnie. “Working in tandem with our
blower, it cleared and collected leaves and other debris in one pass. We had so
many stormy days, so it was busy up and down the course, back and forth. Our
golfers were cock-a-hoop because it instantly presented the playing areas to
the best standard.
“In the spring, we switched the
flail paddles to scarifying blades and it scarified all the fairways with
minimal disruption. A good, neat job. We just haven’t had a chance to get it
onto rough management duties, but that will happen in time.”
In April, Ronnie’s team took
delivery of a Jacobsen TR320, high traction contour trim mower. Highly
manoeuvrable, it is a reel mower which works equally efficiently on flat or
sloped, and, on wet or dry turf. Purchased to bring added quality to bankings
and surrounds across the parkland course, it too, is an instant hit.
“I’m so impressed,” continued
Ronnie. “It has transformed the areas we got it for. Before, we couldn’t get
too near the bunker edges. However, the TR 320 allows you to get up
close, right to the edge. It has eliminated 80-90% of our need to use a hover
mower. Previously, the hover mower would take one person the best part of a day
to go around. With the Jake we are done in a couple of hours. The finish
is far neater and someone is free to do other duties.”
Ronnie says that while it is
imperative to buy the right machines for purpose, reliable service and back up from
a dealer also plays a significant role in the purchase. “I’ve known the Rae
family for a very long time, so I know with Fairways we are in good hands.”
Taking over from Ronnie will be
his two deputies, Chris Prior and James Macdonald, who both become joint course
managers.
“I wish them all the best for the
future, they both absolutely deserve the opportunity. They will be ably
supported by John Steel, and our newly recruited 16-year-old apprentice, Tom
Bruce. I know they will all do well.”
While Ronnie is happy to be
standing down knowing the course is in capable hands, his days won’t be too
quiet.
“I’m not completely retiring,”
said Ronnie who is moving to Stirling to be nearer family. “When you work 50
years it would be impossible to sit back and do nothing. I’m taking on a part
time role with a club in Stirling which will keep me busy at least 20 hours a
week.”
In April, Ronnie was elected
Regional President of BIGGA for Scotland & N Ireland, and in July, he is
one of the greenkeepers selected who will support the R&A during The 150th
Open at St Andrews.
