John Deere’s Women in Turf program returns to Cobram Barooga Golf Club this week for the Webex Players Series Murray River tournament — the site of the program’s successful launch last year.
A group of female volunteer greenkeepers will once again work alongside club superintendent Terry Vogel and his team for the PGA event, which features men and women competing in the same field for the same prize purse.
John Deere production systems manager Stephanie Gersekowski said it was exciting to see the growth of the Women in Turf program since last year’s launch event.
“Terry and his team were instrumental in getting this program off the ground, so it’s fitting to be returning to Cobram Barooga again in 2024,” she said.
“Last year’s feedback was excellent, both from the volunteers and the club staff the women assisted. The skills and attitude shown by all participants helped ensure the tournament went smoothly, and we know that will be the case again for this year’s event.”
Ms Gersekowski said John Deere was committed to supporting women working in the golf and turf industries through the Women in Turf program.
“It helps create career pathways and build support networks to encourage greater female participation in Australia’s flourishing greenkeeping sector,” she said.
Through the program, John Deere sponsored three female turf specialists to assist the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in preparing for last year’s global football tournament, including the Matildas’ group game against Canada.
It was also a focus of the John Deere Women in Golf Media and Turf Management and Active Allies Breakfast at the 2023 ISPS HANDA Australian Open.
The Women in Turf volunteers will be at Cobram Barooga all week, preparing and maintaining the course for the tournament held between Wednesday, January 18 and Sunday, January 21.
They will also attend a VIP lunch on Thursday to mark the club’s signing of the R&A Women in Golf Charter, signalling its commitment to growing the number of females at all levels of golf.
Cobram Barooga’s chief executive officer Bobby Brooks said the club aimed to develop a culture that valued women’s involvement in every aspect of the sport, from social participation to pursuing a professional career in golf.
“Cobram Barooga acknowledges the important role community golf clubs play in transforming golf into a sport that is highly engaging, accessible, and fully inclusive for women and girls,” he said.
This year’s Webex Players Series Murray River will be fully green and yellow, with Cobram Barooga completing a full shed conversion to John Deere equipment.
Meet the 2024 Women in Turf volunteers
Tegan Olivia
No two days on the golf course are the same for Tegan Olivia.
“You’re always learning something new,” the greenkeeper at Hartfield Golf Club said.
“Every course I’ve worked at has been a bit different too. It takes time to get to know a new course and figure out how to maintain it.”
“I’m excited to be participating in the Women in Turf Program and to see how Cobram Barooga prepare for a tournament like this.”
Ms Olivia said the series would give her the rare opportunity to work alongside other women.
“I’ve always worked with men, so it will be cool to meet the other volunteers and share our experiences,” she said.
“I’m interested in learning about how they approach greenkeeping, and also plying my trade on a new course.”
Susie Rawlings
Susie Rawlings, a former telco field technician, is still green to the trade, having completed a horticulture qualification and starting her role at Toronto Golf Club only 12 months ago.
“I decided I needed to pursue a career I’d really enjoy, rather than one I was just comfortable in,” Ms Rawlings said.
“It’s been quite a change, and apart from the 4am starts, I’m loving it.”
Ms Rawlings said the program would be a unique experience for her, having worked in two industries predominantly staffed by males.
“I’m excited to meet the other female volunteers and learn as much as I can from them,” she said.
Holly Ross
A career in turf management wasn’t always on the cards for Holly Ross.
The former landscape gardener began helping out at Palm Beach Golf Club, where her partner was the superintendent; however, she quickly found a passion for greenkeeping, which led to her current role at Bayview Golf Club.
“I just loved the challenge of it,” Ms Ross said.
“I came from a residential and commercial background with landscaping, but with greenkeeping you need to think about how the course functions for the players, as well as the aesthetic and environmental aspects.”
The series will be the first major tournament experience for Ms Ross.
“Bayview’s the only golf course I’ve worked on, so I’m keen to learn how another club with a bigger crew manages its facilities, and to see what is involved in preparing for an event like this,” she said.
Shana Stopp
Shana Stopp embodies the adage of ‘love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life’.
The horticulturalist with landscaping services company Green Options said passion was the most important factor in succeeding in the industry.
“I get to be with my mates all day, look after the gardens, be out in nature and just have a great time,” she said.
“It’s a multifaceted job — you’re not just sitting on a mower all day. There’s always more to learn and improve on, which is the attitude I encourage in my team as well.
Ms Stopp’s colleague at Green Options, Lilly Dahtler, was one of the inaugural Women in Turf participants who volunteered at the 2023 Murray River tournament.
The program may be the start of a new career direction for Ms Stopp.
“This will be a learning experience for me, and I wouldn’t be surprised if I find a new passion in greenkeeping,” Ms Stopp said.
Sophie Warren
When Sophie Warren took a casual job working for her dad at Glenelg Golf Club, she thought it was a fun way to earn some money while still at school.
Five years later, Ms Warren is in the final year of her apprenticeship at the course, having also completed a horticulture qualification.
Ms Warren said she was shocked when her dad, course superintendent Tim Warren, told her she’d been picked for the Women in Turf program.
“It will be great to meet the other girls and also get to know the team at Cobram Barooga. You can never have too many connections,” she said.
“When I was at school, I only knew this was a job because of my dad. I don’t think it gets advertised a whole lot that you can pursue an apprenticeship and qualifications in this industry – particularly for girls.”