Introduction

From the outset in 1993 I wanted to provide a quality golfing experience for all abilities. To this end the courses have been designed by Martin Hawtree one of the top golf course designers in the world! I wanted to have greens that would be in play all year round and a layout that would make you think. At 6251 yards with strategically placed hazards I believe we have achieved this.

As a qualified green-keeper I wanted to build greens to the highest possible specification. This means that a full USGA spec has been followed. This has allowed me to follow the R&A sustainable golf programme.

One of the main aims for Portmore was to improve the environment for wildlife. By leaving large areas of rough, creating 9 lakes and wet areas, managing woodland, reducing to the absolute minimum the use of pesticides and fertilisers the numbers of different species have increased at an amazing rate. We now have Deer, Badgers, Foxes, Otters, King Fishers, Herons, Dragonflies, Barn Owls, Little Owls, Kestrels, Buzzards, Woodpeckers, Ducks and various Butterflies, all of which were not evident when we were a highly productive Dairy Farm. 'Look after the creepy crawlies and watch what happens'.

We have a small team of very dedicated green staff and we are interested in any student who wants to pursue a career in green-keeping. Over the years I have established links with some of the top courses in the world, which could be useful for a student who wants to experience green-keeping at the very top level.