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CAFRE’s high performing Royal Portrush Greens Staff

July 22, 2025

CAFRE Sports Turf students have been working tirelessly as part of Royal Portrush Golf Course’s greenkeeping team. The students welcomed world-famous golf professionals and 278,000 fans to the 153rd Open Championship. Royal Portrush and CAFRE have a longstanding relationship, with many of the greenkeeping staff having completed their training at Greenmount Campus, Antrim.


CAFRE student and greenkeeper at Royal Portrush Golf Club, Jason Chambers stated, “To be involved in maintaining the Royal Portrush Golf Course throughout The Open Championship, brushing shoulders with some of the biggest names in golf was a phenomenal experience. It was a dream come true for me as a greenkeeper.”

CAFRE Sports Turf students working at Royal Portrush Golf Club pictured with Deputy Course Manager, Paul Lappin and CAFRE staff Brian Boyle (Lecturer) and Darren Finlay (Instructor) and Adam Ferguson (Senior Lecturer).


Considered to be one of the world’s top golf courses, Royal Portrush Golf Club sets the standard for greenkeeping excellence. CAFRE is delighted to deliver the sports turf courses that provide many of their staff with the qualifications, knowledge and skills needed to perform at this high level.
Senior Lecturer, Adam Ferguson said, “We are incredibly proud of all our greenkeeping students. They have been working immensely hard over the past number of months to prepare for the Open and keep up with their studies. Their commitment and dedication to maintaining a world-renowned course that brings so many tourists to Northern Ireland is to be commended.”

Taking the opportunity for a photo before The Open – CAFRE Staff Darren Finlay (Sports Turf Instructor), Brian Boyle (Sports Turf Lecturer) and Adam Ferguson (Horticulture Senior Lecturer).


If you or someone you know has been inspired by The Open, consider pursuing a career in sports turf, please click here for course information. We are still accepting applications for Horticulture (Sports Turf) Level 2 and Level 3 courses starting this September.

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