The tournament is co-sanctioned by the Ladies European Tour and WPGA Tour of Australasia, with Lee, a second-year apprentice greenkeeper, being one of six women chosen to attend.
“Obviously, there's not a lot of women in the industry, so being able to meet other women from all over and coming together with them and working was an absolutely amazing opportunity,” Lee said.
The Women’s Classic acted as a precursor to the John Deere Women in Turf program each greenkeeper was selected for, which will begin shortly.
The opportunity to learn at a major classic was a significant moment for Lee, who only came across the profession when looking for local work after her parents relocated to Echuca-Moama.
Lee said that the way fairways and greens had to be cut and mowed was much different than what she was used to.
As was the additional attention, joking about the nature of being in an environment where a camera was focused on nearly every hole she was tending to, given the tournament’s final rounds were broadcast globally.
“It's a comp, so it was a lot of maintaining the greens, maintaining the bunkers, the fairways, everything that goes with golf, we had to maintain it, like making sure the tee markers were moved perfectly, making sure the hole was in the right spot,” Lee said.
“So it was a bit different from here at Rich River, obviously going and doing a tournament, but there was a lot more to it than just mowing grass and setting up.”
During the competition, greenkeepers are shown where to put each hole, indicated via spray paint, but they also alter the location of the holes in relation to the greens throughout.
Lee noticed the greenkeepers not breaking the bottom of the bunkers, instead only pushing the sand around to leave them with a more natural look.
She also found it interesting that the greens were all walk mowed, with these observations combining with more practical learnings for her own development.
“I learned a lot of techniques on how to use my body better when lifting heavy gear and turf and all that, but also when changing holes to push your shoulders back and then being able to actually get the plug out of the ground,” Lee said.
Following her experience at the tournament, Lee now commences a 12-month mentorship with an experienced industry professional, who will provide ongoing one-on-one guidance via the Women in Turf program.
Lee didn’t think she would be selected for the program, but was thrilled when the confirmation email came through, immediately calling her mum to spread the good news.
The mentorship involves attending a couple of John Deere meetings with her mentor and being taught more about the machinery greenkeepers use, and from what Lee has learned, it is a rewarding experience.
At the end of the 12 months, she will have the opportunity to apply for higher level opportunities through John Deere’s mentorship programs.
