2017 – Mark Wilcher

GOTY 2017 Mark Wilcher and nominees Phil Townsend and Brent McCristal

The 2017 Living Turf Greenkeeper of the Year award was presented at the annual Peter Mobbs’ Shield at Engadine Bowling Club in July. Mark Wilcher, the Head Greenkeeper at South West Rocks Country Club, received this great award.

Mark was destined to become a greenkeeper. At just 13 years old Mark chose lawn bowls as a school sport. Growing up just 200 metres away from the local Telarah Bowling Club, it was the best way he could be home nice and quick from school! Little did he know 35 odd years later he’d be one of the best greenkeepers in NSW.

After finishing school Mark commenced his greenkeeping career in 1985 at Telarah Bowling Club and since then hasn’t looked back! Mark spent seven years at Telarah under Geoff Clack before being persuaded up the road to Lorn Park Bowling Club where he would spend the next 17 years in charge.
In 2008 Mark made the move up to South West Rocks Country Club. With three greens and a large surrounding area to maintain Mark is constantly busy. Mark is assisted by Nathan Moore. The NSWBGA had the privilege of playing on Mark’s greens during the 2015-16 State Championship weeks. All greenkeepers in attendance would agree that the quality of the greens and surrounds are the result of the dedication Mark puts into is work.

Mark said winning the Living Turf Greenkeeper of the Year for 2017 was a highlight of his career.

“It was a real honour to be named Greenkeeper of the Year for 2017.”

Mark said hosting the State Championship Bowls Weeks in 2015 and 2016 was another highlight.

“We loved having the NSW Greenkeepers here for the State Championships and it was great to get so much positive feedback about my greens.

“I also enjoy being a part of our industry associations, the NSWBGA and our local Mid North Coast Greenkeepers Association, where I have held roles of President and currently Vice President,” he said.

As well as being a talented greenkeeper, Mark is pretty handy at bowls – proving that the choice of lawn bowls for school sport paid off, winning the Australian Greenkeepers Fours.
Pictured: South West Rocks Country Club greens in action, and Mark Wilcher at Federation Week 2017.

The NSWBGA and Living Turf congratulate Mark on a great achievement in winning the 2017 Living Turf Greenkeeper of the Year.