Phillip Shields
Newtownards
Summary
Experienced in managing and maintaining golf course grounds with a strong focus on machinery operation, renovation, and irrigation systems. Proficient in using greens, tees, fairway mowers, and other specialised equipment for effective course setup and maintenance. Demonstrated leadership skills through managing a team of staff and volunteers, covering roles of Assistant and Head Greenkeeper, and participating in management meetings. Skilled in spraying/agronomy with expertise in soil testing and disease management. Committed to continuous professional development with plans to pursue an Agronomy degree.
Overview
6077
6077
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
First Assistant
The Blackwood Golf Club
- Support daily operations, staff management, and course preparation.
- Machinery maintenance and setup for optimal course presentation.
- Soil testing and agronomy recommendations for disease and turf health management.
- Attend management meetings; cover Assistant and Head GK duties as required.
Greenkeeper
Holywood Golf Club
- Course renovation projects including tees, bunkers, and drainage.
- Oversaw irrigation and general course maintenance.
- Represented Greenkeeping department in council/committee meetings.
- Tee reconstruction, bunker reshaping, compost and greenhouse construction.
- Daily course maintenance and machinery operation.
- Monitored environmental conditions and reported issues impacting course quality to management.
Greenkeeper
Bangor Golf Club
- Managed drainage projects and daily course setup.
- Assisted in renovation and long-term course management strategies.
Education
Level 3 Sports Turf Management -
CAFRE
Level 2 Sports Turf Management -
CAFRE
FTMI -
Future Turf Managers Initiative - BIGGA
LLB (Hons) Law Degree - undefined
University of Central Lancashire
undefined
Bangor Grammar School
Skills
- Machinery
- Greens, tees, fairway mowers, rough cutters, bunker rakes, tractors, verti-drains, aerators, overseeders, front loaders, diggers; HOC/QOC setting and backlapping
- Renovation
- Scarifying, coring, hollow-tining, verticutting, verti-draining, overseeding, topdressing, tee and bunker reconstruction
- Irrigation/Drainage
- Manual and automated irrigation systems, sprinkler replacement, valve repairs, drainage installation including herringbone and open drains
- Spraying/Agronomy
- Knapsack and boom sprayers, soil testing, pH and disease management, maintenance adjustments, planning for Agronomy degree
- Course Setup
- Tees, holes, divot repair, brushing/blowing, competition preparation
- Maintenance
- Daily checks, greasing, oil/hydraulic topping, belt/tyre adjustments, battery changes, seasonal setup
- Leadership & Management
- Manage a team of 7 staff, 2 range staff, and weekly volunteers
- Cover for Assistant and Head Greenkeeper roles; attend management meetings
- Admin tasks: stocktaking, product logs, machine hours, overtime, training, sickness recording
- Scout Leader (11 years), hands-on leadership style, mentoring, and safety supervision
- FTMI training in leadership, budgeting, staff management, and communication
Certification
- PA1 & PA6 Spraying (PA2 self-funded if required)
- First Aid (Valid until Dec 2027)
- Chainsaw – Cross Cutting
Hobbies & Interests
Active golfer and rugby player for ARDS RFC, Scout Leader (11+ years), Turfgrass science and agronomy study, Outdoor activities and community volunteering
Notable Projects & Achievements
Tee and bunker reconstruction, compost/greenhouse construction at Holywood GC., Large-scale drainage projects at Bangor GC., Soil testing and maintenance programme adjustments across clubs., BIGGA Level 2 Greenkeeper of the Year 2024.
Affiliations
North Down Greenkeepers Association
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
LLB (Hons) Law Degree - undefined
University of Central Lancashire
undefined
Bangor Grammar School
First Assistant
The Blackwood Golf Club
Greenkeeper
Holywood Golf Club
Greenkeeper
Bangor Golf Club
Level 3 Sports Turf Management -
CAFRE
Level 2 Sports Turf Management -
CAFRE
FTMI -
Future Turf Managers Initiative - BIGGA