Keeper Of The Greens segment of The Golfing Greenkeeper Podcast is brought to you by John Deere Golf. When you work where others play, you need a partner you can trust to keep your course in perfect condition. Find your nearest John Deere dealer at deere.com.au
For the very first time, we're heading to the Northern Territory!
Jimmy Downes is Head Greenkeeper of the local nine hole golf course in downtown Humpty Doo, outside Darwin. Yes, you heard me right, Humpty Doo. This nine hole golf course might have a unique name, and be located in a unique part of Australia, but it's nothing compared to Jimmy's unique greenkeeping career path.
Leaving school early would see Jimmy finding horticulture where he made the most of it. Studying and gaining plenty of knowledge in horticulture saw Jimmy looking for work without much luck before he was given an opportunity in a very different place!
Taking the bull by the horns, this opportunity quickly became Jimmy's big adventure! Working on a golf course in a far away wonderland, Jimmy soon found himself at this new home for many years. Taking up the game of golf and enjoying the sport at his new home, many years would pass when things changed and he was looking for work again.
A stint outside greenkeeping for a few years soon had Jimmy thinking of golf and sports turf again, and it wasn't long before Humpty Doo just happened to be the right fit at the right time!
You're sure to enjoy this wild, and at times left field adventure, as we learn about golf and greenkeeping in the NT along with just how big Australia really is!
People and places mentioned in this podcast:
Humpty Doo & Rural Area Golf Club
Humpty Doo Greenkeeper
Humpy Doo
Groote Eylandt
Alyangula Golf Club
Gove Golf Club
Royal Pines Resort
7 Mile Beach Golf Course
Lawntips - Ben Sims
Finding Fairways Australia