F TMI
The
T
chosen ones
he Australian Sports Turf Managers Association and gold partner Jacobsen, in conjunction with the New Zealand Golf Course Superintendents Association, has announced the successful applicants for the 2021 Future Turf Managers’ Initiative (FTMI). Always an exceptionally popular program among sports turf managers looking to advance their careers, 2021 saw an overwhelming response to the program. This year’s applications were well above previous years and far exceeded available places. The FTMI is a worldwide program developed by Jacobsen, designed to provide practical tools and guidance to help candidates pursue their career aspirations through a professional development course. Together, the ASTMA and Jacobsen have been offering this highly successful training opportunity to Australian and New Zealand turf management staff since 2016. More than 150 candidates have been selected to be a part of the program to date. Working with professional trainers, industry leading mentors, Jacobsen, ASTMA and NZGCSA staff, candidates are provided 12
ATM profiles the latest intake of
turf managers to be accepted into the ASTMA Future Turf Managers’ Initiative, presented in partnership with Jacobsen.
with training and knowledge relating to management and leadership. They leave FTMI with a clear understanding of what the future holds, an understanding of the expectations that come with the role of a leader and practical skills to develop their career as a future leader in the sports turf management industry. The 2021 FTMI will be a combined online learning and face-to-face education model for Australian and New Zealand turf managers, taking place over the course of five months. Online modules commence in late October
AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.5
2021 and culminate in an intensive two-day, in-person program to be held in Melbourne during March 2022.
ANDREW ANDERSON Assistant superintendent, The Metropolitan Golf Club, Vic Having grown up in Brisbane with a great passion for the game, Anderson transitioned into the trade as an apprentice at Sandgate Golf Club at the age of 18. He completed an apprenticeship at neighbouring Virginia Golf Club, which provided the motivation to look south to gain some cool-season experience. Anderson landed a position at Bonnie Doon Golf Club in Sydney for a year before heading across to New South Wales Golf Club. Both were fantastic experiences and held him in good stead for ultimately moving to the Sandbelt. An opportunity appeared at The Metropolitan Golf Club, which had just been announced to host the 2018 World Cup of Golf. Anderson served as foreman leading into the tournament. That invaluable experience lead to his appointment as assistant