Golf course maintenance has traditionally been seen as a male-dominated field, where machines roar and the smell of gasoline lingers. This preconceived notion is incorrect, as golf course maintenance offers excellent job opportunities for many people, regardless of gender or previous occupation. 

Bianca Pronk, who studied Conservation Ecology and Entomology at Stellenbosch University in South Africa, has traveled a long way from the other side of the globe to the maintenance halls of Hirsala Golf. Bianca didn’t arrive in Kirkkonummi on a direct flight but rather made her way through Sweden, where she had her first experience working on a golf course. The small 9-hole Kvicksund Golf Course was an excellent starting point, followed by jobs in Gripsholm and Kristianstad. The golf industry quickly drew her in.

For Bianca, working on a golf course was a leap into the unknown. She had no expectations or any idea of what to expect. Now, after many hours spent on golf courses, she can smile widely. 

”I’ve never been happier in my work,” Bianca says with joy. ”Even though the mornings start early, it doesn’t bother me at all. It’s wonderful to head to work at the crack of dawn, knowing I’ll enjoy what I do.”

Diverse work that challenges and rewards

Bianca enjoys a wide variety of tasks in her job. Cutting greens, constructing bunkers, and various renovation projects are the first things that come to mind. Learning something new almost every day is one of the job’s greatest rewards. And while there are challenges, Bianca doesn’t see them as problems but rather relishes the opportunity to solve them.

This South African conservation ecologist and entomology expert is a great example of how professionals from different fields can find their natural place in golf course maintenance in Finland. What might seem like an unusual combination works exceptionally well. Bianca herself emphasizes that golf course maintenance is much more than just mowing grass and raking sand traps—there is a demand for professionals from various fields. 

Bianca understands that there will be plenty of challenges in the future, such as limiting water consumption and reducing the use of chemicals. These are areas where Bianca’s expertise shines. She also wants to change the overall perception of golf courses. The ingrained idea that golf courses are somehow harmful to the environment doesn’t sit well with her.

”Golf courses are actually biodiversity oases and hotspots,” Bianca explains.

The work community at Hirsala Golf has been crucial to Bianca. The maintenance team works together to maintain outstanding quality, and everyone’s role is important in achieving that. It’s been easy for Bianca to join the relaxed but hardworking community. She is grateful that the entire team has been patient and supportive of a South African who is quickly trying to learn Finnish.

If Bianca is an excellent example of a professional coming from a different field, she is also a great example of the benefits of working in different countries. Traveling broadens the mind and provides valuable experiences. From a maintenance perspective, one can learn about different grass species, work methods, and maintenance techniques. Both professionally and personally, working abroad and in entirely new environments offers immense rewards.

Interested in working in golf course maintenance?

In conclusion, we give the pen to Bianca, allowing her to write a job advertisement to recruit staff for a golf course:

”Welcome to a job where challenges abound, and no two days are the same. You are constantly surrounded by beautiful nature, and that alone is one of the great values of this job.

You will work as part of a close-knit team where everyone loves what they do, and it shows. The work community becomes like family, where everyone takes care of each other. The work can sometimes be challenging and demanding, but it always rewards you in the end. It’s amazing to see the results of your work immediately.

To succeed in this job, you need a proactive attitude. Your feet are firmly on the ground, but your mind works fast. You may face difficult situations, but they teach and motivate you.

The work community is friendly and supportive. We work hard and laugh a lot. And most importantly, no ranger is left behind.”