Stannard Named New Superintendent at McLeod Golf Club

Kane Stannard’s career path has moved across rugby league fields and golf courses in Australia and overseas. Currently serving as the new course superintendent at McLeod Golf Club, Stannard spoke about his transition into greenkeeping, his experience abroad, and his life off the greens.

Early Career and Apprenticeship

Stannard’s connection to greenkeeping began during high school when his younger brother left Year 10 to take up an apprenticeship at Tweed Coolangatta Golf Club in Tweed Heads. At the time, Stannard was playing semi-professional rugby league and was not focused on entering a trade immediately after Year 12.

“My greenkeeping career pretty much started off in high school. I was in Year 12 and my brother was in year 10, and he left to become an apprentice greenkeeper at a golf club at Tweed Coolangatta Golf Club up on Tweed Heads. I was a semi-pro rugby league player so I didn’t bother working after I finished school; I was just bouncing around club to club,” Stannard said.

After a playing stint in Wee Waa, Stannard returned to Tweed Heads at age 20. A local contact recognized his work ethic and suggested he try greenkeeping. Following a one-week trial, Stannard pursued the career, completing a four-year apprenticeship through TAFE and earning a nomination for a Greenkeeper of the Year award.

Following his apprenticeship, Stannard worked at several venues, including Royal Pines Resort and Ocean Shores Country Club in Byron Bay as a deputy. He later paused his greenkeeping career to play rugby league in Kingaroy, where he also managed a local pub.

Moving to the UK

Stannard later relocated to the United Kingdom to play rugby league and work in turf management. During his time abroad, he worked at The Cottage at Fulham and Royal Wimbledon Golf Club.

“I take a lot of pride in myself and my work, so I embraced the challenge; I moved over there [England] on a one-way ticket. And going to a high-end golf club like that [Royal Wimbledon], with a lot of history, you’ve just got to embrace it and take it all in,” Stannard said.

During his time at Royal Wimbledon Golf Club, the venue marked its 150th anniversary, an event that included a visit from the Queen’s beefeaters. The role also presented unique day-to-day conditions, including managing grounds inhabited by protected badgers and adhering to strict chemical application regulations.

“I was loving life over in England. My course superintendent there, Sean Whip, was from Australia, and he hired Aussies to come over and do seasonal work. From his appointment, the standard [of greenkeeping] went up; we Aussies ramped it right up. We were considered one of the best courses in London at the time. You’re not allowed to use as many chemicals in England, so the work is more physical and practical — and that’s what I enjoyed the most.”

Return to Sydney and Role at McLeod Golf Club

Stannard returned to Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic and settled in Sydney. He spent nine months working at The Lakes before taking a role at neighboring Bonnie Doon for an 18-month period. Seeking career advancement, he moved briefly to Manly and then to Northbridge, before serving at Bexley Golf Course.

Stannard has now taken on the position of course superintendent at McLeod Golf Club.

Reflecting on the varied environments across different venues, Stannard noted how soil profile and local conditions dictate greenkeeping strategies:

“Each course is different and depends on whereabouts you are and the environment. For example, Bonnie Doon and The Lakes were built on sand so it’s very well drained and easily maintained. At Bexley — and I believe Northbridge as well — the soil is mostly shaded with a heavy clay base. This causes the course to hold water and remain wet for long periods, which isn’t ideal as it increases the risk of turf diseases. There’s a lot of variables and it all has to do with Mother Nature. You can be the best golf course in the world but if the conditions aren’t right…,” Stannard said.

Personal Interests and Balmain Pubs

Outside of managing turf, Stannard focuses on local dining, frequently spending time in Balmain.

“I love going to cafes where I can just relax, have a coffee and a nice breakfast. When I finish work here, most of the time I go back to Balmain and bounce around the little cafes on Darling Street. I like some of the restaurants in Balmain too. When it comes to food, when I’m eating out like on a Friday night, I try to go to themed restaurants; it’s all about experiences,” Stannard said.

He also tracks down local food options across the area’s pubs.

“I love steak. I try to go to every pub in Balmain — I think we have about 14 — and go to their steak nights and find out who’s got the best.”

Social Media: Instagram @stanazolstannard

Source: cafereporter.com.au