We’d like to welcome Marco Peschiulli as our first Meet the Members interviewee in issue 13 of our magazine. Marco was born in Puglia, Italy, but took his career abroad to further pursue his career ambitions and love of travel. In the past few years, he has worked in some of the most prestigious golf courses throughout Europe, including the Tyrifjord GolfKlub in Norway and the Seddiner See golf club in Germany. He’s now superintendent and head greenkeeper of the Escheberg Golf Club in Zierenberg, Germany.
What inspired you to pursue a career in turf?
I chose to pursue a career in golf as a greenkeeper because I’ve always had a great passion for nature, the environment, and green care. The idea of being able to work outdoors, helping to keep a golf course in perfect condition, has always fascinated me. It’s a role that requires technical skills, attention to detail, and a deep knowledge of the terrain, grass, and seasons. I like knowing that my work directly impacts the quality of the player experience and the image of the club. For me, every day is different and represents a challenge: finding the right balance between aesthetics, functionality, and environmental sustainability is what motivates me every day.
Talk us through the experience of finding and applying for your current job. Why did you decide to apply?
My experience in finding my current job was quite targeted. I knew I wanted to work in a professional and well-organized environment, where I could grow and improve my skills in the golf course maintenance sector. I found the ad online, on a website specialized in the sports and greenkeeping sector, and I was immediately struck by the description of the role and the reputation of the golf club. I decided to apply because the profile they were looking for perfectly matched my skills and aspirations. They were looking for someone with experience in turf care, knowledge of machinery, sensitivity to environmental sustainability, and above all, someone who speaks multiple languages in order to manage an international team: all areas in which I felt prepared and motivated. The idea of working in a high-level structure pushed me to put myself on the line, knowing that I could learn a lot and contribute concretely to the quality of the course.
What motivated you to explore job opportunities overseas?
What drove me to explore job opportunities abroad was the desire to grow both professionally and personally. I wanted to test myself in a new context, deal with different cultures, expand my language skills, and work in international environments. Also, I believe that experiences of this type are also very enriching from a human point of view, they teach you to adapt, to be more flexible and open to change. I was looking for an opportunity that would allow me to get out of my “comfort zone” and open up to new challenges.
How did you find out you’d got the job? How did you feel?
When I found out I got the job, I felt really happy and relieved. After so much effort and waiting, receiving that call was a huge satisfaction. At first I almost couldn’t believe it, I was excited and also a little nervous, because I knew a new phase of my life was about to begin, with many challenges but also many opportunities. I felt a mixture of pride, gratitude, and curiosity for what was waiting for me.
How did your friends and family react to hear that you were moving overseas?
When I told my friends and family that I was moving abroad, the reactions were mixed. My parents were a little worried, especially about the distance and how I would cope in a new country, but at the same time they were proud and happy for the opportunity. Some friends were excited for me, others were a little sad that we would see each other less. Overall, though, I felt a lot of support and encouragement from everyone.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself since starting your international greenkeeping journey?
Probably my ability to adapt to different cultures and climates. I have realized that, in addition to agronomic skills, what really makes the difference is the ability to listen, observe, and quickly adapt to new realities. Whether it’s working with different herbaceous species, on extreme terrains, or with multicultural teams, I’ve discovered that I can maintain high-quality work even in completely new and difficult contexts. This has taught me that mental flexibility is as important as technical knowledge.
What’s your dream career? (anywhere in the world!)
My dream career in the golf world is the one I am living now, managing an 18-hole championship course of 100 hectares for 4 years, working every day together with my international team and increasing the quality of the course day after day, offering members and visitors excellent playing surfaces.
Favourite sport?
The sports I love are surfing during the winter months and golf in the summer months. Surfing and golf are really fascinating: surfing connects you with nature, the wave, the fluid movement and adventure, while golf requires calm, precision, and strategy. A really interesting mix.
Favourite sportsperson?
If I had to choose, I would say that I really admire athletes like Roger Federer in tennis, for his elegance, consistency, and sportsmanship.
If you could create the perfect playlist for a day on the job, what songs would be on it?
For a work day, I imagine a playlist that mixes energy, concentration, and a bit of good humor. Here’s a possible setlist:
- “Don’t Stop Me Now” – Queen (pure energy to get you going)
2. “Electric Feel” – MGMT (a relaxed but engaging groove)
3. “Lose Yourself” – Eminem (for the motivational charge in crucial moments)
4. “Shape of You” – Ed Sheeran (easy and positive rhythm)
5. “Happy” – Pharrell Williams (a boost of cheerfulness)
6. “Take Five” – Dave Brubeck (a bit of jazz to focus)
7. “Blinding Lights” – The Weeknd (pulsing rhythm that keeps the pace high)
8. “Eye of the Tiger” – Survivor (motivational classic to not give up)
9. “Here Comes the Sun” – The Beatles (a calmer and sunnier moment)
10. “Can’t Stop” – Red Hot Chili Peppers (energy and fun until the end)
What’s the most challenging weather condition you’ve faced while working in Germany, and how did you handle it?
In Germany, the weather can be unpredictable. For example, during harsh winters with snow and frost, keeping the greens in good condition requires a lot of planning: protective covers are used, the temperature is constantly monitored, and irrigation is carefully managed to avoid frost damage. In case of heavy rains, drainage becomes essential to avoid water stagnation that could damage the lawn or impede activities. A good head greenkeeper must therefore coordinate with the team, predict weather events, and adapt maintenance treatments to preserve the quality of the course.
One of the biggest challenges was my first year as a head greenkeeper in Germany in 2022, where my greenkeeping team consisted of only 3 people in the summer months. The temperatures were extremely high, especially for German standards, and in July one of the two submersible pumps broke (as the system and the pumps were old and poorly functioning), and as a result I was left without water on 6 holes in the hottest months of the year and there was no rain to help me.
I had to find quick solutions to water the greens and tees, we immediately rented a tractor with a tank and every day a person was responsible for filling the tank and watering both the greens and the tees. We also used wetting agents and mainly potassium fertilizers to withstand the water stress, and two other people, with two work-men and a small tank mounted on top, also watered the greens, tees, and fairways in 6 holes where I couldn’t irrigate with sprinklers because the pump that brought water to those 6 holes was broken. After two months of hard work, thanks to the enormous efforts of the entire team, we managed to keep the playing surfaces in good condition and usable for all the tournaments scheduled in those months.
Finally, what message or insight would you like to share with others about the role of organizations like International Greenkeepers for Hire in connecting professionals with opportunities abroad?
Organizations like International Greenkeepers for Hire play a key role in creating bridges between qualified professionals and international opportunities, opening the doors to unique work experiences that enrich both careers and personal growth. In an increasingly globalized world, these platforms not only facilitate the meeting of supply and demand, but also promote cultural exchange, innovation, and environmental sustainability.
For anyone looking to expand their professional horizons, organizations like IGFH give access to quality networks, continuous training, and concrete support to face new challenges with confidence. Ultimately, they represent a precious opportunity to build a conscious and impactful international career.