Jon Wyer is our Golf Course Manager and has been a part of the original Rockliffe team since 2008 when the golf course was still under construction and before the new parts of the hotel had been built.
Together with the team of greenkeepers, Jon manages operations and maintenance of the golf course. This includes the daily set up of the course for golfers to enjoy as well as routine maintenance to aid and promote consistent, healthy playing services.
What is your day-to-day role?
My day generally starts early in the morning, around 5am with a quick team meeting to allocate the daily tasks and make the team aware of daily business. I will then check over the golf course or do the daily set up and assess at the same time. Whilst doing this, I monitor how the team are getting on with their tasks, often there will be several factors such as how damp the surfaces are when mowing, ground conditions, the amount of grass clippings that will impact the day and adjust where necessary.
I will also check the plant conditions on all surfaces and check moisture levels to see if watering is required, how the greens are playing and what attention they may need to keep them playing true and the consistency of ball speed. Once this is done, I will check up on the progress of the team and allocate the next tasks before implementing plans for the following day – making sure machinery is set up, any watering is set up to run through the night as well as any necessary paperwork completed.
What is your favourite thing about your job?
There is so much variety within my role and so many factors that may influence the work we do including weather conditions, daily business, the ever-changing seasons. This keeps the job fresh and challenging.
What is your biggest Rockliffe achievement?
My biggest achievement is being nominated on multiple occasions for the Greenkeeper of the Year in the 59club Awards as well as winning the award twice. This achievement has also helped to gain Rockliffe Hall a place within the Emminent Collection along with some of the best resort courses in the UK.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
Most of my time is spent with my family, along with cycling and enjoying music.
What do you love about Rockliffe Hall?
There are two things I love about Rockliffe. The first is being able to say I have seen Rockliffe develop from the very beginning, from the maturity of the golf course as well as seeing the hotel being built and opening to where it is now.
The second is based more on how early we start work and the memories that some people may never experience. Examples of this are events such as incredible sunrises or being able to watch an otter lead her young across the golf course, foxes, deer and owls hunting prey or witnessing newborn cygnets leaving the nest.
Find out more about the golf course, membership and tee times at Rockliffe Hall.
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