Greenkeeper of the Year Award

The annual Greenkeeper of the Year Award is the most prestigious accolade awarded for bowling greenkeepers in NSW by the NSW Bowling Greenkeepers’ Association.

The award recognises outstanding performance in greenkeeping, including quality of greens and surrounds, machinery storage, chemical storage, awareness of environmental programs and professional approach and contribution to the industry. Each year you can make a nomination on our Nomination page.

About the Award

Nominees must be financial members of the NSW Bowling Greenkeepers’ Association.

Selection criteria include:

1. Greens: Good grass cover and quality of surface.
2. Surrounds: Weed free, ashtrays, seats, painted clean and tidy.
3. Machinery: Serviced and stored ready for use.
4. Tool shed: All tools maintained in good condition.
5. Chemicals: Storage and awareness of environmental programs.
6. Diary: Daily updates of all job details and weather conditions.
7. Professional approach: Contribution to the community.

A panel of judges will attend site inspections.

A cash prize is donated by our industry partners, currently Living Turf.  The NSWBGA thanks Living Turf for their ongoing support of this award. The award is presented at the annual Legend’s Day in July.

Wade Turner named Living Turf Greenkeeper of the Year 2024

The winner of the 2024 Living Turf Greenkeeper of the Year was Wade “Poppy” Turner. Wade has
won this award previously in 2002. Wade manages three World Class Tiffy’s that are the envy of the industry and that all bowlers from across the state talk about regularly! As well as his quality greens surfaces Wade’s surrounds and gardens are just as good.

Wade Turner receiving Greenkeeper of the Year award

Wade is approaching his 50th year in the industry which is an achievement in itself and on behalf of the whole NSWBGA community congratulate him on this outstanding achievement.

Congratulations to Sean Bellotti, Living Turf Greenkeeper of the Year 2023

By Craig Campbell, Living Turf

I have personally known Sean since we were 16 y e a r s o l d w h e n w e fi r s t s t a rt e d our apprenticeships in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs almost 42 years ago. Sean is a hardworking, dedicated turf manager who absolutely goes above and beyond his job description. He is a
dedicated member of the NSWBGA and has been for many years.

Sean started his apprenticeship over 40 years ago at Coogee Bowling Club in Sydney’s Eastern
Suburbs. He is pedantic when it comes to dates and times etc., so I will not put a timeline, nor will
these clubs be in order of employment but here goes:
• Bronte Bowling Club
• Randwick Army Barracks wicket tables
• Frances Drake Bowling Club
• St George Bowling Club
• Elizabethan Women’s Bowling Club
• Everglades Country Club
• Austinmer Bowling Club
• Scarborough Wombarra Bowling Club
• Thirroul Bowling Club
• Green Options (Ramsgate RSL, Bondi
Bowling Club and North Sydney Bowling Club)
• Figtree Bowling Club

Sean is a dedicated turf manager who maintains Figtree Sports greens and surrounds in an
excellent condition. He has trained many apprentices in that time. Sean was extremely
proud to present greens for the Bowls NSW State Championships with glowing compliments.
Sean’s experience in turf management is evident at all times when visiting Figtree Sports. He is well
respected by the Committee and all the bowling members of the club.

Once again, Living Turf would like to congratulate Sean on winning Greenkeeper of the Year and
wish him all of the best in any future endeavours.

The NSWBGA did not award a Greenkeeper of the Year in 2020 and 2021 due to restrictions arising from the Covid-19 Pandemic. We thank Living Turf for their ongoing support of this prestigious industry award.