Hello all. A little bit about me. My Name is Cathal Browne, I’m 22 at the time of writing from Cork in Ireland and I am an Irish Greenkeeper. I have been in the industry for roughly 3 years.
Leading up to my Leaving certificate in Ireland in 2017, I was in a bit of a difficult position as to where I wanted to go with my career, I always wanted to work alongside the sports industry. Whether it be teaching sports or looking at it in a different perspective. I am always thought to be an outdoor person and a hands on type of person so that’s when I started to look towards being a greenkeeper, and at least that way I still got to stay working with sports but in a different view. Instead of teaching sports, I was going to be looking after sports grounds but mostly Golf courses.
What’s the best thing you’ve learned during your career?
Best thing I’ve learned during my career. It would have to be hard work that always outweighs talent and be confident enough to accept my faults.
What’s the most difficult challenge you’ve had to face?
It would definitely have been this year due to covid. Lost my sponsorship visa to stay in New Zealand and work full time at Millbrook resort. I moved to New Zealand back in August 2019 as a grow in greenkeeper, growing in the new nine hole project that Greg turner had designed, and after all the hours and hard work I put in over the year and not being able to see the project out took a personal impact on me, I went into a dark place but thankfully enough I didn’t lose passion for my job, I stuck at it and now I’m currently a volunteer groundsman at Blackrock Hurling club, until another fantastic opportunity comes.
Best career achievement?
Would have to be leaving home at 19 to move to Australia and work with a fantastic team of guys at Sorrento golf club, this is where I knew I picked the right career. Also volunteering two days at marvel Stadium in Melbourne and also AAMI. I got a real insight on day to day tasks and one of the best stadiums in the country.
What keeps you in the industry?
Just pure love for my Career, I’m an outdoor person, hands on kinda guy, I love looking back at the end of the day seeing the golf course/sports pitches coming together. It gives you a great sense of achievement. my passion for the turf industry in my opinion is second to none, whether it being a voluntary role or a paid position my work ethic and commitment is always 100 percent.
What inspiring words would you say to young greenkeepers?
Work while you have the light. You are responsible for the hard work that has been entrusted to you and No great work is ever done in a hurry. . . To do anything great requires time, patience and perseverance
What are your future goals?
Become a superintendent, Work at a major sporting event, Be happy for who I am the career I have chosen.
Favourite sport?
Golf/hurling
Favourite sports person?
Tadgh Deasy.
Have International Greenkeepers For Hire helped you in any way?
Without a shadow of a doubt. If it wasn’t for the guys behind the scenes of this fantastic group, I definitely wouldn’t have gotten the experience I have today. I am forever grateful.