The Greenkeepers Training Committee (GTC) has secured a share of a £1m grant from the European Social Fund (ESF) to finance greenkeeper management training.

The funding, secured in partnership with Plan-It Training, follows on from an initial two-year programme of work-based training which ended last year.

The new programme will now also allow landscaping and groundsmanship sectors the opportunity to undertake formal work-based training.

GTC education director, David Golding, said: “Plan-It Training and the GTC will support employers who see skills training and the tried and tested method of keeping their workplace ahead of the game by investing in staff development and work-based qualifications.

“We are delighted that recognition for our commitment to golf club employers, greenkeepers and course managers is backed by major funding organisations like the ESF.”