Golf Course Manager wins prestigious award
The man whose vision and dedication has helped to earn an international reputation for championship golf at The Grove in Hertfordshire, has been honoured and recognised for his skill and effort by the world's largest golf management company.
Phillip Chiverton, who oversaw the development of the course in 2001 with American designer Kyle Phillips and has led a 25-strong team of specialists responsible for its superb quality and condition ever since, has been named as Troon Golf's Course Manager of the Year for 2007.
The 40 year old Englishman whose career spans more than 25 years in the golf industry was singled out for the honour from 190 golf course superintendents representing resorts in 32 countries. Even more remarkable, Phillip is the first Course Manager to receive the award outside the Americas, a phenomenal achievement.
A key factor in the presentation of the award was Phillip's dedication and outstanding work preparing the course for the 2006 World Golf Championship. The event not only attracted more than 100,000 visitors and global TV coverage but considerable praise from the world's elite players including World No. 1 Tiger Woods.
Jane Goodyer, General Manager of The Grove commented: "This citation highlights Phillip's inspired leadership. The Grove has consistently been rated as one of Troon Golf's best conditioned golf courses with guests constantly commenting about the perfectly manicured greens and presentation of the course".
Phillip's illustrious career started at the age of 15 with an apprenticeship at Bridport and West Dorset Golf Club before he moved to Wentworth Golf Club working on the Championship West Course preparing it for two World Matchplay events and two Volvo PGA Championships.
In 1990 he joined The Buckinghamshire as a Senior Greenkeeper and within the year was promoted to Head Greenkeeper and subsequently Course Manager for the entire complex in 1994. At The Buckinghamshire he also added to his growing tournament experience preparing the course for six events for the Seniors Tour and the European leg of the Andersen World Consulting Championship before joining The Grove in 2001.
Picture shows from left to right: Hud Hinton (Chief Operating Officer - Troon Golf), Phillip Chiverton, Dana Garmany (Chairman Troon Golf), Bruce Glasco (MD Troon Golf Europe)