Chris Minton
Chris has been head mechanic and workshop manager for Leicester City Football Club since September 2017. He previously spent 12 years as head mechanic at The Belfry.
Recognising the value of turf equipment technicians
For too long ‘mechanics’ have been an undervalued part of the turf maintenance team, but an organisation aimed at championing the work they do – while providing a more fitting job title – is helping to elevate the role to its rightful place.
TETO hopes to inspire the next generation of turf equipment technicians (TETs) and create pathways into a profession that is integral to the golf industry.
What started as a small WhatsApp group between a few key figures – notably Matt Axton, James Wilkinson and Chris Minton – has snowballed into something with well over 200 participants, including representatives from leading manufacturers. That group provides practical help and advice, peer-to-peer learning and networking opportunities, while TETO also holds in-person meetings for its members to discuss the group’s aims and future plans.
Where did the idea for TETO come from?
Matt: “There was a group called the Real Turf Techs started by Trent Manning, an equipment manager in America who felt there was a need to grow the technical side of the industry over there. They had a WhatsApp group and a Twitter account and I got involved with that and said to James and Chris that we needed something similar in Europe, so we started a WhatsApp group and it’s grown from there.”
What are the key issues TETO is seeking to address?
Chris: “There is a shortage of qualified people who can do the job and that needs to change. We’re looking to bring more people in by taking on apprentices and turning that into full-time roles. We need to be able to provide the education to give people the skills to fill those roles and address the shortage we have in the industry.”
Matt: “The big problem that we’ve got in the UK is that we are not selling our side of the industry to schools and colleges. The younger generation don’t even know there is a career there for them. I’ve spoken to some guys in America and when you compare like-for-like roles over there to here in the UK in terms of salaries and just how they’re regarded, there’s a huge difference. But that only changed in America because of the Real Turf Techs, so we’re hoping to do the same with TETO over here.”
What would be the impact on the golf industry if nothing changes?
Matt: “Without mechanics, the industry would face severe challenges. This is likely to become more prevalent in the next decade as the current generation ages and begins to retire.”
James: “I think the demands are getting higher and it doesn’t matter what type of golf course you are. Membership fees are going up and golfers want to play all year round, and they expect the same conditions in winter as in summer. That puts huge pressure on greenkeeping teams and they need to be supported by highly qualified turf equipment technicians who are recognised for their skills and paid accordingly. If not, golf clubs are fighting a losing battle.”
What needs to be done to press that point home?
Matt: “You’ve got to educate the owners, you’ve got to educate the general managers of the golf clubs, and you’ve got to educate the members in the private clubs about the role and value of turf equipment technicians and why they’re important. If golf clubs invest in the maintenance facilities and the workshops and give the technicians the equipment they need to do the job to a high level, it’s only going to benefit the industry because the quality of everything will improve.”
How optimistic are you about TETO achieving its aims?
James: “I’m very optimistic. I can’t say where we are going to be in 10 years’ time but I want to be able to see progress. People often ask us, ‘What are you looking to get out of this?’ – and it’s not personal recognition, but when I retire in 25-30 years, I want to know that I’ve made a contribution and made a difference. TETO can help us do that.”
Chris: “The growth of the WhatsApp group has been huge and there’s over 200 people in that now, so that’s really promising. We’ve got people from John Deere, Toro and Jacobsen involved so the interest is there at a high level, plus the support from BIGGA, so I’m hoping it’s only going to go in one direction.” GI
James Wilkinson
James has over two decades of experience in mechanics, much of which has been acquired in the golf industry. He is currently workshop and equipment manager for Arora Group based at the Buckinghamshire Golf Club.
Matt Axton
Matt recently moved to Copt Heath as the workshop manager, having previously been head mechanic at The Belfry. He has also spent time working in Qatar and Bahrain.
The role of a turf equipment technician
James: “Turf equipment technicians are responsible for maintaining and repairing all turf equipment and other machinery used by the facility. They have day-to-day responsibility for the smooth and efficient running of the workshop, including health and safety requirements and the management of all maintenance records.
“TETs really are at the heart of operations – they are the cogs that keep the wheels turning. The role of the TET enables green staff to do their job maintaining the course to the highest possible standard, which in turn ensures a fantastic experience for members.
“Their role is commercially effective for the club, as it minimises any dealer costs, which can be significant. It’s also time-efficient, reducing the downtime of machinery which can be serviced or repaired quickly and on-site.”
Scott Reeves, BIGGA Head of Membership
“Turf equipment technicians have always been an important part of the golf course management industry, but as technology develops and machinery becomes increasingly advanced, their role is now vital. TETO is an extremely useful resource for anyone involved in managing golf course machinery, enabling people to share knowledge and increase their effectiveness. BIGGA has always played an important role in facilitating such knowledge transfer and networking, and we are very happy to offer our support and play our part in helping them to develop their programme of events and to raise the profile of this key aspect of the golf industry.”
“The workshop can be a lonely place for the technician and to have a group of over 230 like-minded individuals right there with you is a comfort. TETO has remained a professional, positive forum, and I would recommend any turf technician become a member and start to use this resource,” Bruce Alexander, technical support at Ransome’s Jacobsen
“It’s a brilliant bunch that includes leading equipment technicians who have been able to provide invaluable advice and support to us as well as being generally a great group to be a part of,” James Cleaver, golf course manager at Stratford Oaks Golf Club
“The TETO group is a community of like-minded individuals who have helped and enabled me to enter the industry and hit the ground running. I’ve never experienced help and support like it,” Todd Bayliss, head mechanic at Frilford Heath Golf Club
“That WhatsApp group is a great platform to learn and discuss real-time issues with groundcare machinery,” Paul Pelling, mechanic at Queenwood Golf Club
“The TETO group has helped me with keeping repair costs down, fault-finding and sourcing new suppliers,” George Jones, head technician at The Shire Golf Club
“TETO has offered easy access to help and support in an area where most clubs have limited skill sets. There’s always someone to help with a problem and guide you in the right direction,” Chris Low, golf course manager at Coventry Hearsall Golf Club
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