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Sustainability

In-focus: Sustainable Golf Week with R&A greenkeeping scholar James Walker

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The R&A
11 Nov 24
4 mins
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Sustainable Golf Week takes place this week (11–15 November) and again provides a chance for people and organisations across the sport to celebrate the good that golf does in society. 

This year, the week spotlights another key aspect of golf’s responsibility and its value in sustainable development, focussing on how golf serves, supports and strengthens communities, through social value, health benefits and meaningful employment. With previous editions exploring other priority topics such as climate (#DrivingNetZero) and nature (#BetterwithNature), for 2024 the emphasis is on #GolfforCommunities. Shining a spotlight on Sustainability at The R&A, and our commitment to champion careers in the industry, we profile Assistant Championship Agronomist, James Walker.

Career journey

Appointed to his role earlier this year within The R&A Sustainable Championship Agronomy team, James is a R&A Greenkeeping Scholar and previously First Assistant at The Gleneagles Hotel who has enjoyed supporting and strengthening communities within the golf industry on his own career journey.  The R&A Sustainable Championship Agronomy team provide agronomic support to all R&A Championship venues – including those that host The Open, AIG Women’s Open, professional qualifying and amateur championships. This equates to approximately 65 venues across Great Britain and Ireland. Walker joined the team following nine years of education and experience within the industry, beginning in 2015 at the African Turf Academy in Pretoria, South Africa. With extensive experience in the USA as part of the Ohio State Programme, and at championship courses in GB&I, Walker offers the team a wealth of knowledge to further elevate the offering from The R&A team.
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James Walker was appointed to his role as an Assistant Championship Agronomist earlier this year within The R&A Sustainable Championship Agronomy team. James is a R&A Greenkeeping Scholar and previously First Assistant at The Gleneagles Hotel.

Pathway into agronomy

“We were pleased to welcome James and his experience to The R&A Championship Agronomy Team earlier his year,” said Richard Windows – Head of Sustainable Agronomy: Championship Venues at The R&A. “James is one of the first appointments to go through both the African Turf Academy and an R&A Greenkeeping Scholarship – both of which we are proud to provide support and funding for. “The two-year R&A Scholarship is a new pathway into agronomy and provides full funding on all areas including further education, BASIS and FACTS qualifications, as well as training from The R&A Sustainable Championship Agronomy Team. We are extremely impressed with James’ career so far and have no doubt he’ll continue to be an excellent addition to The R&A.” Supporting Gleneagles for four years delivering the Solheim Cup and Senior Open Championship, as well a season on the Old Course at St Andrews to help stage the Walker Cup, Walker brings with him a championship-driven resume. Notably, James graduated from the African Turf Academy, which is supported by The R&A, in 2015. He enjoyed success at the Academy based at the Silver Lakes Golf Estate and won the Student of the Year award in 2015. The African Turf Academy offers an International Greenkeeping Qualification and on completion of the course students receive an internationally recognised National Certificate in Greenkeeping from Elmwood College.

Hone skills

“I’ve been thrilled to start my new role as part of The R&A Championship Agronomy team this year,” said James. “I have been fortunate to travel the world, learning and experiencing agronomy at a variety of levels.  “I’ve been privileged to hone my skills through experience at iconic venues including Congressional Country Club, Lake Nona Golf and Country Club,  JCB Golf and Country Club, The Old Course at St Andrews and Gleneagles. I’ve been on an amazing journey so far and I am truly grateful for the managers and mentors that have helped me along the way.” The R&A are committed to educating the next generation of greenkeepers, agronomists and golf course ecologists, ensuring sustainability continues to be at the heart of this vibrant industry.  If you are interested in pursuing these careers, please contact the team at education@randa.org

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