Resort Golf Course Workers take Top Honours

Media Release from Millbrook Resort

18 June 2007

Millbrook Resort Golf Course Workers take Top Honours

It’s two holes in one for Queenstown’s Millbrook Resort golf course as two of its greenkeepers recently took home National Trainee of the Year Awards.

Greenkeeper James O’Malley beat four other finalists to win the New Zealand Golf Course Superintendents Trainee of the Year award after completing a practical, written and oral exam.

O’Malley, 33 has worked on Millbrook’s 18-hole golf course for five years, recently completing his three-year apprenticeship under Golf Course Superintendent Blair Dibley, who won the same award as O’Malley six years ago.

Originally from North Canterbury and living in Arrowtown for five years, O’Malley said there’s a lot more to greenkeeping than meets the eye.

“There’s more to the job than just mowing grass,” he said.

“Work also involves irrigation, maintenance of the bunkers, spraying for pests and disease, renovation work to the course and greens and more.”

Greenkeeper Lyndon Smith was also awarded with a Graduate of the Year Award after completing his National Certificate in Sports Turf Management at Otago Polytechnic's sports turf in Cromwell.

After winning the award, Smith, 21 was approached by Golf Course Superintendent Dibley to work for him for a minimum of six months.

Smith finished top of his class of seven to take the award, after gaining valuable work experience at Clearwater Resort’s championship golf course in Christchurch.

“It’s a privilege to be working for Millbrook Resort as it’s got a high reputation,” said Smith. “It’s a great place to work.”

Millbrook General Manager Jan Hunt said the awards were an indication of the excellence of staff at Millbrook, as well as being a testament to the efforts that go into training and upskilling of team members.

“Both Lyndon and James have a great passion and enthusiasm for Millbrook’s golf course and a desire to maintain the greens and course to ‘above-par’ standards,” she said.

”Accolades such as these have resulted in Millbrook going from strength to strength in all areas of our business including accommodation, food and beverage, golf and spa. That we continue to get recognised for these developments while still being seen to deliver fantastic value to our guests is testament to our philosophy of always going the extra mile.”

Millbrook was recently named as one of the highest ranking hotels for value within New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific by prestigious Travel and Leisure magazine. It has also celebrated major achievements within the past 12 months including the launch of a $5 million refurbishment programme, a new driving range development and golf course and awards for being named among the world’s best overseas golf resorts and top luxury properties in New Zealand.

ENDS

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