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Empowering Women in Turf at Cobram Barooga Golf Club

The picturesque Cobram Barooga Golf Club, under the joint auspices of John Deere and Hutcheon & Pearce, once again hosted a group of dedicated female volunteer greenkeepers as part of the Women in Turf Program. This initiative, a collaborative effort between John Deere golf and Hutcheon & Pearce, aligns with their commitment to inclusivity and professional development in golf course maintenance.

The program’s successful return to Cobram Barooga in 2024, following its launch the previous year, offered six volunteers the opportunity to work alongside club Superintendent Terry Vogel and his team. This involvement was pivotal in preparing the course for the prestigious PGA event, the 2024 Webex Players Series Murray River.

The collaboration with Hutcheon & Pearce in the Women in Turf Program reflects our shared vision for diversity, equity, and inclusion in greenkeeping. We’re just beginning to explore the potential impact of this initiative.
Stephanie Gersekowski- John Deere Production Systems Manager

Sophie Warren, a fourth-year apprentice from Glenelg Golf Club, shared her enriching experience. “The Women in Turf Program allowed me to learn new skills and engage in tasks that aren’t part of my daily routine,” she noted. Her involvement, along with the other volunteers, underscores the program’s success in offering hands-on experience at major tournaments

Corey Clark, Key Account Manager for John Deere Golf and Sports Turf, highlighted the program’s significance in creating career paths for women in greenkeeping. “With the collaboration of Hutcheon & Pearce, we’re focused on professional development, building support networks, and instilling confidence in these women, especially in high-stakes environments like the Webex Players Series,” he said.

Terry Vogel expressed his enthusiasm for hosting the volunteers again, noting their diverse skills and professionalism. The volunteers’ involvement at the Cobram Barooga Golf Club significantly aided in managing the tournament’s demands.

The youngest participant, 17-year-old Bella Browne, an apprentice at Thurgoona Country Club, appreciated the welcoming and supportive environment. “It was an eye-opening experience, seeing other women in the industry and learning from their journeys,” she remarked.

Susie Rawlings, who transitioned into greenkeeping at Toronto Golf Club after two decades in telecommunications, found the program a unique and valuable experience. “It’s fascinating to see the variety of roles in this industry. The Women in Turf Program, supported by John Deere and Hutcheon & Pearce, is an excellent initiative for gaining different perspectives,” she added.

The program also included participants like Tegan Lewis, Shana Stopp, and Holly Ross, representing diverse clubs across Australia. Their break from greenkeeping duties included attending a VIP luncheon to celebrate Cobram Barooga’s commitment to the R&A Women in Golf Charter.

Stephanie Gersekowski, John Deere Production Systems Manager, emphasized the broader goals of the program. “Our collaboration with Hutcheon & Pearce in the Women in Turf Program reflects our shared vision for diversity, equity, and inclusion in greenkeeping. We’re just beginning to explore the potential impact of this initiative,” she said.

This article was written in collaboration with John Deere. Read the original article here: https://www.deere.co.nz/en/news/all-news/women-in-turf-teeing-up-another-round-cobram-barooga/