Episode 4: Sami Strutt

On The GBQ Podcast, Sami Strutt, Education Director at Bernhard Academy, says being able to showcase greenkeeping is key in attracting people to the industry

Spreading the word about greenkeeping at big events, and introducing children to the profession, is key in bringing new people into the industry, said Bernhard Academy Education Director Sami Strutt.

Speaking on The GBQ Podcast, she told Sarah Stirk increasing diversity within the turf management industry – and recruiting more women – was a question “so many people are trying to answer”.

“By its nature, it’s considered a very physical job,” she said. “It’s outdoors and it’s hard work and it’s cold and it’s raining. But then, on the flip side, it’s beautiful. It’s sunny and you’re working in nature.

“It’s about exposure to the industry. If you’ve never played golf, you don’t come from a family that plays golf, if you’ve never been on a golf course in your life, and the signs outside the golf course say you can’t come in because you’re not a member, how are we ever going to get anybody into the industry – let alone, women?

“But I think having opportunities at big events like The Open, the BMW PGA Championship, the Ryder Cup, is key – where there is the opportunity to showcase greenkeeping at these events.

“That might be in the kids’ zone and we’re talking about greenkeeping and ‘this is how we prepare the golf course’.

“There are so many opportunities out there but it’s getting in the door to be able to have them.”

Strutt said the Bernhard Academy could support the learning and development of women and others already in the industry through the education programmes it was delivering and developing.

“How do we get more exposure?” she added. “First Green is doing a great job of bringing in groups of kids’ classes – because there is nothing as diverse than a group of schoolchildren coming in. I was involved with one of the pilot events and we had 43 children there.

“At the end of the day, we said, ‘so who fancies being a greenkeeper?’ Probably about six kids put their hands up, and four of them were girls. It was ‘yes’.”

Listen to Episode 4 of The GBQ Golf Podcast, with Bernhard Academy Education Director Sami Strutt, by clicking here.