St Andrews - The Greenkeeper's Tale

Book excerpt: Gordon Moir, the author, is the former Director of Greenkeeping of St Andrews Links, and tells the inside story of managing the Home of Golf. Moir shares the story of the day-to-day workings on the huge complex, noting the highs and lows, challenges, and ultimately the rewards of being in charge. In this frank and honest memoir, he touches on his biggest and recurring challenge, which was preparing the Links for three Open Championships. Offering a glimpse behind the scenes during these Opens, St Andrews - The Greenkeeper's Tale has colourful anecdotes involving the game's great legends and many others in the world of golf. As public courses, owned by the citizens, local golfing politics were never dull, and there are many memorable moments on and off the courses. As an ambassador for St Andrews Links, Moir, 2022 president of BIGGA (the British and International Golf Greenkeepers' Association), has travelled widely to share his experience. Set to the backdrop of the ever-changing role and techniques of the modern greenkeeper, this is an entertaining, fascinating read that offers unique insights by one of the industry's most respected leaders.