Myerscough sportsturf apprentice a cut above in national awards

The Women in Golf Awards is an annual event celebrating the significant contribution that women, past and present, continue to make to the golf industry. 

The awards bring together women at all stages of their careers, from every sector, showing the diverse nature of the roles women hold in the industry. 

Anna Nilsson was named as the winner of the Women in Turfcare category at the prestigious event, where BBC sport presenter Katherine Downes presented awards in 10 categories, spanning all areas of the industry.

Anna has been undertaking a sector leading Level 5 Golf Course Manager Standard apprenticeship, and is currently Deputy Head Greenkeeper of the Brabazon Golf Course at The Belfry.

Anna was celebrated for her commitment to encouraging more women and girls to take up a role in turfcare, as well as her own passion and expertise.

Anna beat off strong competition from Wendy O’Brien Course Manager at Beaverbrook and Course and Estate Manager Sophie Bulpitt. Jim Croxton, CEO of the British and International Greenkeeper’s Association and sponsor of the Turfcare category was on hand to present Anna with her award.

In her winner’s citation, Anna was described as ‘’an extremely talented greenkeeper whose course bears testament to her unwavering dedication, expertise and passion all of which has helped to secure the return of the British Masters to The Belfry in 2025. 

‘’Anna is also dedicated to inspiring future greenkeepers, coaching students and visiting schools to talk to children about working in the industry. 

‘’Anna’s encouragement is making a huge impact on everyone she meets and her success is inspiring young women to take up a career in turfcare.’’

In 2022 Anna, who was previously Senior Greenkeeper at the Warwickshire-based resort, became the first woman to manage the four-time Ryder Cup course.

Responsibilities in her role include turf management, people management and maintaining the course to ensure the Brabazon offers a tournament standard for all players on a daily basis.

She said: “I am proud to have been given this opportunity and to be able to work alongside such a fantastic, knowledgeable, and inspiring team every day. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for them.

‘’I’ve worked on a number of courses and nowhere compares to The Belfry, we ensure that our guests can experience a Ryder Cup quality course daily as the Brabazon is always up to tournament standard. I am very excited to continue share my passion and knowledge and I hope that my story will continue to inspire more women to join this incredible industry.”

Sweden-born Anna joined The Belfry in 2019 after moving from her native country to take on the role. She studied at the Swedish University of Agricultural Studies and has worked across several golf courses in Sweden, which included maintaining the courses in snowy conditions as well as fixing moose and wild boar damage on the course.