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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