Meet the VGCSA-JOHN DEERE-BRANDT Scholarship hosts

Nick O'Brien
Superintendent - TE ARAI LINKS North Course
If I had to use one word to describe Te Arai Links North that word would be quirky. It has a unique layout and unconventional routing. The first tee is one of the best opening holes I’ve ever seen. It’s a drivable par 4 with two massive bunkers guarding the green and looks directly north down the coast with Te Arai Point in the distance. There are some challenging holes on the course and the greens are wild. My favourite place on the course is probably on the 1st tee. It is such a breathtaking view of the ocean and looking down the first fairway with the second green off in the distance is spectacular.  
My management style is to lead by example and use decentralised command principals for our daily operations. I try to lead by example in every way possible, with the language that I use, by showing up on time, staying until the job is finished, and get out there with the crew and do the work alongside them. Unfortunately, I can’t get out there as much as I used to before the course was open but I do so whenever I can. The decentralised command principal simply means I let the crew think for themselves and make the proper decisions. This may be cumbersome in the beginning, and there will certainly be mistakes. However, I’ve found that when you ask crew members to take ownership of their work, to be intimately involved with some of the decisions made on a daily basis, they generally work harder and are more proud of the work they do. This makes proper training, strong communication, and the ability to learn from mistakes a crucial part of the teams development. If everyone is on the same page with their managers then they won’t have to bog them down with a million questions throughout the day. This allows them freedom to do what they think is correct. 
We will sit down with the Scholarship recipient and get to know them, discuss their goals, and find out where their strengths and weaknesses are. We will utilise their strengths and try to improve upon their weaknesses. They’ll have valuable exposure to Fine fescue and a true links style golf course. We also want them to enjoy their time here outside of work. One of the things which makes Te Arai Links so special is its location. We will make sure that their time here strikes a positive work/life balance, and that they explore around the area as much as they feel comfortable. 
Dan Moreton
Superintendent - TE ARAI LINKS South course
We are a links golf course built on undulating sand dunes, and our turf consists of wall to wall Fine fescue. Much of the course stretches along the coast, with spectacular ocean views. However, my favourite hole would have to be number 2, which is nestled amongst a pine forest – it is a beautiful looking golf hole, and to me, it has a very peaceful feel about it.
During my time at Tara Iti and Te Arai I’ve worked under two incredible leaders in Brian Palmer and CJ Kreuscher. I think that observing their styles and methods has somewhat shaped me into the leader I am today. I am naturally a consistent, composed, organised person; these would have to be the strengths that I’ve drawn upon most as a leader. Most of our crew had no prior greenkeeping experience. My goal was always to find team members with a good attitude, who would get along. I have trained them as much as possible, which was a challenge initially, but it has been awesome to see the team excelling now. I am incredibly proud of the ladies and men I have on the team.
Dylan Griffin
Superintendent - TARA ITI GOLF CLUB 
The Tom Doak designed Tara Iti is nestled among the sand dunes on the East Coast of Northland, New Zealand. Comprised of wall to wall Fine fescue, Tara Iti strikes a balance between natural, minimalist architecture and tournament conditioning. Spectacular views of the course from elevated holes, such as the 13th and 4th greens combined with jaw dropping coastline views from the 4th and 15th tee make for a beautiful scenery on one of the best courses in the world. This also highlights the exposed nature of the property. Northland, New Zealand provides a vast range of weather patterns, from week long 30-knot windstorms to long summer droughts, mixed in with record breaking rainfall in recent years. This diversity offers new challenges regularly, allowing us to constantly learn to adapt and maintain while continuously improve the courses conditions. 
The team at Tara Iti thrives in this environment, with personal and professional development being a healthy priority for all of us. The team consists of 20 employees, including a Director of Courses, Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Irrigation Technician, two Horticulturists, a Mechanic, and three international, seasonal interns. This size of the staff offers great diversity and  provides a fun, yet productive atmosphere. 
The opportunity to explore and work alongside new staff in a new environment, with different grasses and cultural practices, is an invaluable experience. We operate using a combination of traditional cultural practices and innovative solutions that we have learned from previous years’ experiences. Being built on pure dune sand requires precise and sustainable moisture management and fertility programs. 
The Scholarship winner can expect to mow surfaces, use GPS sprayers, irrigate, perform course set up, assist in course renovation and get involved in a project or two.
All three courses are very different, and the clubs are different too. Tara Iti is an exclusive member’s club while Te Arai Links is a semi-private model. At least one of the two courses is open to the public each day. As for turf practices, I really focus on playability. A links course after all should play fast from tee to green. The goal is to keep the course very dry and rely on the deep, dense fescue roots to get us through the long summer season. 
I have grown tremendously in every way imaginable in my ten years as a Superintendent, and now Director of Courses. Even after several years as an Assistant, I found that I did not know nearly as much as I thought I did. Early on, I was hesitant to relinquish control and struggled to delegate. After I gained confidence, I began delegating to those around me. It is the only way to be successful, in my opinion. It also allows others to grow, whether it is their goal to become a Superintendent or just be better at whatever their role is on the team. 
I was fortunate to work for a Superintendent who was a phenomenal mentor to so many Superintendents. I have really tried to emulate him because he made everyone around him better. Having the opportunity to work with aspiring Superintendents and watching them grow and develop is extremely rewarding. 
Travel and experiences are so crucial in the development of any young turfgrass professional. Conversations with greenkeepers both young and old, volunteering at tournaments and golfing/walking courses in your travels is so important. The opportunity to spend a few days with us will be valuable because you will get to work with fescue greens, a diverse and experienced team, and visit a beautiful part of the world. Tasks will include course set up, hand mowing, moisture management, and the opportunity to operate anything in our fleet. A cheeky 18 is probably in order too.
For me, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity and wish that something like it was available to me when I was developing my skillset and working towards my goals as an Assistant.