Walter Woods, the internationally renowned greenkeeper, has died at the age of 84.
A long-time consultant to the European Tour, Woods was best known for his role in leading the greenkeeping team at St Andrews Golf Links for 21 years between 1974 and 1995. He also enjoyed a long stint at Notts Golf Club (Hollinwell), of which he was extremely proud.
Woods was instrumental in the formation of BIGGA, the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association, and his efforts to modernise the industry and greenkeeper training have laid the foundation for the profession as it is today.
He was the inaugural chairman of the greenkeeping association and acted as a mentor for many of the industry's leading figures, including John Philp, who oversaw the return of Carnoustie to the Open rota.
Walter began his career at the nine-hole Tillicoultry Golf Club in his Clackmannanshire hometown. He secured his first role in greenkeeping after trying numerous jobs, including as a grocer and a collier.
He then worked at Alloa in the dual role of club professional and greenkeeper, while his wife Caroline ran the clubhouse.
Then came his successful stint at Notts Golf Club (Hollinwell), before he moved to St Andrews in 1974.
During his time as superintendent at the Home of Golf, Woods oversaw four Open Championships.
Woods left St Andrews in 1995, but continued working as a consultant to the European Tour, which holds the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on the Old Course, as well as Carnoustie and Kings Barns each year.
Woods passed away on Wednesday September 18, the eve of the BMW PGA Championship, following a long illness. It was through the efforts of figures such as Woods and the late Cecil George and Jimmy Neilson that education in greenkeeping progressed to a level that allows for the preparation of the pristine surfaces on display at Wentworth this week.
Woods also played a leading role in the formation of the BIGGA support team schemes, which provide members of the association the opportunity to volunteer at The Open and the BMW PGA Championship in preparing the course.
Woods received the British Empire Medal and was presented with the Old Tom Morris Award in 2002 by the US Golf Course Superintendents Association. Previous recipients of the award include Byron Nelson, Arnold Palmer and Bob Hope and it is given to people who 'through a continuing lifetime commitment to golf have helped to mould the welfare of the game in a manner and style exemplified by Old Tom Morris'.
Eddie Adams, the European Tour’s Director of Agronomy, said: “I worked under Walter for 10 years, culminating in him promoting me to Head Greenkeeper of the Old Course at St Andrews two years prior to his retirement in 1995.
“His influence and impact on my life - both professionally and on a personal level - was profound and I will always remember him as a straight talking, good humoured and fair man. He was my mentor who gave me the opportunity to move my career forward to where it is now.
“Since his retirement in 1995, he remained a close friend and an advisor to the European Tour. When he came on board as a consultant, he travelled around Europe giving support to greenkeepers and focused on tournament golf.
“He received a British Empire Medal for his services to the industry and he was given the Old Tom Morris award by the GCSAA
“Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gene Sarazen and Ernie Els have won it in the past, so he is in good company.
“He is one of the biggest figures in the trade who has made the greenkeeping industry more recognised and I know he would like to be remembered for raising the standard of education within the turf industry.
“Our thoughts are with Walter’s family and friends at this sad time.”
Walter is survived by his wife Caroline, children James, Walter and Caroline, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
