Part-Time Greenkeeping: Balancing Life, Career and Satisfaction

Cardigan Golf Club’s Paul Legg explains how he has made the most of his contract to pursue professional development and personal satisfaction.

I haven’t let my 24-hours-per-week contract stand in the way of my progress or development. Yes, I took my time to get CPD Approved but I have learnt at a pace that suits the balance of work and family life.

I am seen as an equal among my colleagues and I have been given the opportunity to achieve a variety of qualifications and CPD through training and knowledge-based learning. The reason for me writing this article is to hopefully inspire those coming into this career, those coming towards the end of their careers who want to slow down slightly and to all course managers who may be looking for more flexibility from their teams.

My journey into greenkeeping

I had never even considered greenkeeping as a career. My working history through my teenage years and after school all revolved around retail work.

After 16 years of working within this setup, a change was due and it was actually my wife who came across the job advert on social media. I remember the interview as if it was yesterday. Meeting the course manager with over 30 years’ experience was daunting but this is how my journey began. To go from working indoors out of the elements and dealing with customers face to face, to working outdoors and in all weathers was a huge change and I didn’t think I’d succeed.

My first shift was on a very wet and miserable March morning. I really was starting in the muddy mess of projects. Just over two weeks later and we were in lockdown. It couldn’t have been a better beginning! There were no golfers around and by the time lockdown was over, I knew how to use all the frontline kit.

I have amassed nearly five years’ experience to date and I am thoroughly enjoying my career and do not regret the jump.

How it works for me

I’m sure there will be greenkeepers out there with questions surrounding my 24 hours, but the reality is it works for me and my family and also the golf club.

Within our team, we have three full-timers on a 39-hour contract, myself on a 24-hour contract, one on a 15-hour contract and one who covers weekend work when required. Being on a 24-hour contract gives me three full days on the course and two days with my family. My days vary from week to week and I can fit most essential family plans around this and not miss any work. If I have plans or am required to be somewhere other than work, then I can ask for certain days off without losing hours or holidays to cover.

Also, as we work outside, my course manager has the flexibility to have me in when the weather is at its best and not when it’s a washout. This way I get utilised when needed and this works for both parties. The small amount of hours on offer can be used to their fullest. And to be fair, I notice the changes more due to me being in work for three days a week. Especially the project work in the winter!

The downside of my 24-hour contract is the pay at the end of the fortnightly cycle. But as my wife works, we make the household work and I get valuable time with my wife and kids.My 24-hour contract is a permanent 24 hour and not seasonal. I am expected to work 52 weeks a year.

 

For those who wish to progress

Cardigan Golf Club and my course manager are passionate about CPD and have given me every opportunity to develop and make myself more valuable to them. Even being on a 24-hour contract, I am still afforded the opportunity to continue my CPD. This is all down to the individual and how much they want their career to develop and progress. I will be honest and say that it took me until last year to be CPD Approved, but the club and course manager have not stood in my way.

I am actively looking at niche skills which will make me even more valuable to my team and I urge everyone who wishes to grow to take their opportunities with both hands. I don’t mean to rush things but to enjoy the journey and learn at a pace that suits you. Becoming more knowledgeable will make you a much more valuable asset. GI