Our History The Victorian Greenkeepers Association formally known as the VGBA, was formed in 1911 and its members were Greenkeepers from the few inner suburban clubs The main reason for the establishment of the association was to provide a forum to discuss the best types of grasses, diseases affecting turf, greens construction and provide a social outlet for greenkeepers. Over recent decades Greenkeeping has evolved, with the biggest change being in the training requirements for turf management. Greenkeepers are required to sign on for a four year Apprenticeship. All aspects of turf management are covered, subjects include Turfgrass Botany, Weed, Pest and Disease Management, Drainage and Greens Construction, Irrigation Installation and Management. At the completion of the apprenticeship, greenkeepers have the option of continuing their studies by enrolling in a Diploma course. This three year course covers subjects studied during the Apprenticeship training but at an advanced level. The level of mathematics and science required at this level would surprise most bowlers. This training provides Greenkeepers with the knowledge to not only cut and roll grass, but also to maintain the health and well being of the green, and be able to implement long term plans for watering and fertilising. Clubs with a greenkeeper trained in this way have a Professional Tradesman looking after the most important item in a Bowling Club…. The Greens. We have a very proud tradition that dates back to 1911. As times are constantly changing so are we with our main aim to keep our members as up to date as we can with new products, ideas, trials and machinery tailored to our unique industry. With our membership scattered around the state we have recently set up a Facebook page which now allows us to comunicate with each other not only here in Victoria but now also with fellow greenkeepers in other states. Our association is not only for Qualified Greenkeepers but also Volunteers, Greens Directors, Bowling Clubs or those interested in the industry.

VGA LIFE MEMBERS Ian Latham Keith Fleetwood Len McKenzie Ray Thorne Tom Tucker Duncan Knox Roy Treadwell Alan Elliot Doug Agnew

Prior to Greenkeeper of the Year being awarded, Most Improved Green was in place. Due to lost records below is all we have. 1986 - 87 L. Bailey Gisborne D.Sharp Bennettswood 1988 - 89 M. Tessari Moreland 1990 - 91 A. Corrigan Moorabin Greenkeeper of the Year Winners 1998 - 99 A. Rigg Kew Heights 1999 - 00 B. Hamshere Queenscliff 2000 - 01 I. Latham Ocean Grove 2001 - 02 D. Martin Yallourn 2002 - 03 B. Brown Bendigo 2003 - 04 T. Sculley Ballarat East A. Kent Traralgon 2004 - 05 M. Vezey Heathmont 2005 - 06 S. Harling Kangaroo Flat - Eaglehawk 2006 - 07 G. Thurgood Princes Park - Strathmore 2007 - 08 B & B Armstrong Rich River 2008 - 09 D. Martin Yallourn 2009 - 10 W. Maynard MCC 2010 - 11 G.Thurgood Lalor 2011 - 12 A. Marston Middle Park 2012 - 13 S. Harling Kangaroo Flat 2013 - 14 N. Scholfield Strathmore - Maribyrnong Park 2014 - 15 J Wray Belmont 2015 - 16 R.Oosterhof Sunbury 2016 - 17 D. Zitters Altona 2017 - 18 N. Swincer Richmond Union - Alphington - Ivanhoe 2018 - 19 W. Henderson Yarrawonga / Mulwala Golf Resort 2019 - 20 *No Winner Awarded Due To Covid 19 Pandemic*

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