Women in Turf Program Returns for Fourth Year at Australian Women’s Classic

Photo: Holly Kenyon, Te Arai Links, New Zealand

Behind every elite golf tournament is a team preparing the playing surface to the highest standard, and for this year’s Australian Women’s Classic, six talented female greenkeepers will be at the heart of that process.

 Selected as part of John Deere’s Women in Turf Program, the six women will work alongside the experienced greenkeeping team of host venue Magenta Shores Golf and Country Club in the lead up to the competition, gaining practical skills and industry exposure.

 The Australian Women’s Classic, to be held on the NSW Central Coast on March 5-8, is co-sanctioned by the Ladies European Tour and WPGA Tour of Australasia, placing the Women in Turf participants at the centre of a major international championship, in which the final rounds are broadcast globally.

 Now in its fourth year, the Women in Turf program is held in partnership with environmental science company Envu, and combines event preparation with ongoing mentoring and professional development. The initiative aims to encourage more women to consider careers in professional golf course management and turf maintenance.

 And this year the program will welcome a female greenkeeper from New Zealand’s world-famous Te Arai Links course, reflecting its growing reach.

 Magenta Shores Superintendent James Newell said competition week demands a higher level of precision across every task.

 “We’re always striving to present the course in top condition, but during championship week there’s an extra layer of attention to detail,” Mr Newell said.

 “With additional hands-on deck, mowing frequency increases and everyday jobs are elevated. Preparing a surface for elite athletes is an exciting challenge for any greenkeeper, particularly those early in their career.”

 Mr Newell said welcoming Women in Turf participants into the team brings both operational support and renewed energy.

“We embrace new people and enjoy having the extra help. They bring enthusiasm and a fresh perspective to the team,” he said.

 “It’s about creating an environment where they can gain confidence, enjoy the experience and get the most out of it.”

The mentoring component continues in 2026, with each participant paired with an experienced industry professional for one-on-one guidance over the next 12 months.

 Mr Newell will also take on a mentoring role, supporting a participant as she progresses through the program.

 “Mistakes are a part of learning and it can be valuable to have someone outside your own workplace to talk to and learn from,” he said.

“I’ve been fortunate to work at great venues across Australia and New Zealand, and I’m keen to help others achieve their goals in the industry.”

 After launching the initiative in 2023 and expanding it in 2025, the Women in Turf Program is continuing to build momentum and strengthen its long-term impact across the industry.

John Deere Australia and New Zealand Small Ag and Turf Marketing Manager, Erin Wagstaff, said the mentoring model provided well-rounded professional development.

 “What’s really fantastic about Women in Turf is that it brings together women from across sports turf, horticulture and greenkeeping backgrounds and places them in a world-class competition environment,” Ms Wagstaff said.

“Mentoring ensures participants build not only technical capability but also the soft skills that employers look for.”

 Ms Wagstaff said increasing the visibility of women in the industry was critical to strengthening the industry’s future workforce.

“Our industry continues to face challenges attracting new talent. Initiatives like this build awareness and showcase the opportunities available,” she said.

“To host the program at a flagship professional women’s golf tournament, that attracts some of the best players from around the globe and is broadcast internationally, aligns perfectly with our goal of increasing exposure for women in turf not only across Australia but around the world.”

Photo: Jorgina Kean, Sun City Country Club, Yanchep, WA 

Meet this year’s Women in Turf participants

 

Leah Heyward 

Horizons Golf Resort, Port Stephens, NSW

Qualified greenkeeper Leah Heyward discovered her career in turf almost by accident, but after completing work experience at Horizons Golf Resort during high school, she quickly realised it was exactly where she wanted to be.

“I didn’t really know what I wanted to do when I was at school, but I knew I wanted to work outdoors,” Ms Heyward said.

“I did a week of work experience at Horizons and honestly didn’t even realise there were people behind the scenes maintaining a golf course. After that week it just felt like it was made for me.”

Ms Heyward finished school in 2022 and contacted the course superintendent shortly afterwards, beginning her apprenticeship three months later. She completed her qualification in November last year and now works across all aspects of course maintenance, with a strong focus on greens presentation and daily course set up.

Her role includes mowing playing surfaces, moving markers, raking bunkers and maintaining fairways, surrounds and tees, as well as managing irrigation and applying fertilisers and chemicals.

“There’s a lot of hours, sweat and dedication that goes into it, and then you see people come out and enjoy their day. That part is really humbling and satisfying,” she said.

Working outdoors is one of the biggest drawcards of the job, Ms Heyward said, although maintaining cool season turf through hot summer conditions can present challenges.

“In summer it can be stressful. You’re asking the grass to survive in conditions it’s not designed for, especially when it’s 40 degrees and you’ve got 200 golfers on the course. We lost a pump for four days during summer once and that was pretty stressful,” she said.

“But being outdoors takes a lot of that pressure away. It’s very much a lifestyle job. Starting early and finishing early means I still have the afternoon to get to the beach or enjoy being outdoors. It’s the best job in the world for me.”

Ms Heyward said the opportunity to participate in the John Deere Women in Turf Program was an exciting chance to experience preparation for an international competition and connect with other women in the industry.

“I actually remember seeing the expression of interest and scrolling past it, but my former boss sent it to me again a few weeks before applications closed and told me to apply,” she said.

“When I found out I was successful, I screamed, cried and laughed all in about five seconds.”

She is particularly looking forward to gaining hands on championship-level experience at Magenta Shores Golf and Country Club, which shares the same course designer as Horizons.

“Every detail matters when you’re setting up for a competition at this level. Making sure everything is perfect is a challenge in itself, so that will be a real game changer to learn,” she said.

Ms Heyward is also looking forward to meeting other female greenkeepers, something she has not experienced so far in her career.

“I haven’t really come across other women working in turf, so it will be really cool to meet like-minded females who have the same passion for it.

Ms Heyward said she was also looking forward to the opportunity to work with John Deere equipment during the program, having not had much exposure to it in her current role.

“I’m really looking forward to getting hands on with the John Deere machines and seeing how they perform in a championship environment.” 

Carrol Davey 

Toronto Golf Club, Toronto, NSW

Carrol Davey has always been drawn to working outdoors, even if she did not initially know where that would lead her. 

After finishing school in 1994, Ms Davey attended her Year 12 formal at Riverside Oaks Golf Resort near Cattai. Standing on the balcony and looking out across the course, she realised she had found her calling. 

“I remember looking out over the course and just thinking, this is beautiful. I knew straight away that this was what I wanted to do,” Ms Davey said. 

The following year she secured an apprenticeship at Riverside Oaks, where she credits the team around her for setting strong foundations. 

“The boys really looked after me. The team was fantastic and they coached me through my apprenticeship. That support made a big difference,” she said. 

After completing her apprenticeship, Ms Davey’s career took a different path when she married a dairy farmer. While she stepped away from greenkeeping, the skills she had developed in turf management continued to serve her well. 

“Greenkeeping gives you a broad and practical skill set. I was able to use those skills, growing silage and working on the farm,” she said. 

A move to the Snowy Mountains saw her spend several years working on a blueberry farm, again applying her horticultural experience in a different setting.  

Ms Davey later returned to the coast and a career in greenkeeping, spending time at Pambula Merimbula Golf Club before joining Toronto Golf Club nearly 15 months ago. 

“No matter where you go, the golf industry attracts the same kind of people. There’s a shared mindset and pride in what we do,” she said. 

For Ms Davey, the satisfaction comes from creating an environment that others can enjoy. 

“I get a lot of joy from giving other people joy. Preparing a course so that golfers can have a great day out, that’s what makes it worthwhile.” 

Despite building her career around the game, Ms Davey admits she does not play golf herself. 

“I’ve never really had the urge to play. I just enjoy preparing the course for others. Sometimes I wish I could look at it through a golfer’s eyes instead of a greenkeeper’s,” she said with a laugh. 

Ms Davey said she was excited to be selected for the John Deere Women in Turf Program. 

“I’m just going to relish the opportunity to rub shoulders with like-minded people and make new contacts in the industry,” she said. 

Having never prepared a course for an event  of this scale, she is particularly eager to experience the intensity of championship preparation at Magenta Shores. 

“It’s a beautiful course and I’m looking forward to being part of something of this size. It will be a great learning opportunity.” 

Pania Chadderton

City of Kwinana, Perth, WA

When Pania Chadderton received confirmation she had been selected for the John Deere Women in Turf Program, her first reaction was overwhelming surprise.

“Because I hadn’t followed a traditional pathway into turf, I honestly didn’t think I’d be in the running, so I was really surprised and grateful to be selected,” she said.

Currently working as a Parks Technical Officer with the City of Kwinana, Ms Chadderton began her career in horticulture before stepping into a more technical role focused on specifications and contract management.

“My partner had recently changed careers and started as a greenkeeper, and I could see how much he loved being outdoors,” Ms Chadderton said.

“At the same time, I wasn’t happy in my job. COVID put a lot of things into perspective, so I decided to study and give horticulture a go.”

After completing a Certificate III in Horticulture and later a Diploma, Ms Chadderton joined the City of Kwinana’s horticulture team. Not long after, she successfully applied for the Parks Technical Officer role, which includes preparing tender specifications for irrigation, landscaping and specialised turf management contracts.

“I felt confident in most areas, but turf was definitely my weakest,” she said.

That realisation prompted her to enrol in a Certificate III in Sports Turf Management after attending the Sports Turf Association Seminar in 2025.

“Turf is so different. There are so many variables, management practices and performance standards for playing surfaces. I’ve still got a long way to go, but I’m learning a lot,” she said.

While her current role is largely office-based, Ms Chadderton maintains regular contact with operational crews and remains closely connected to on-ground delivery.

Encouraged to apply after hearing about her partner’s positive experience volunteering at elite tournaments, Ms Chadderton is looking forward to seeing first-hand the level of course preparation required for championship golf.

“I’m excited to see what goes into preparing an elite playing surface like Magenta Shores and to understand the cultural practices behind it,” she said.

“I’m still early in building my turf knowledge, so I’m a bit nervous, but I’m really looking forward to getting some hands-on experience.”

Ms Chadderton also values the opportunity to connect with other women in the industry.

“There are so many pathways into turf and it will be great to hear about everyone’s journeys,” she said.

While she acknowledges the industry can be male dominated, her experience has been positive.

“The guys I work with have been supportive from day one. I’ve never been made to feel like I couldn’t do something because I’m a woman. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of such a welcoming team.”

Ms Chadderton said she hopes programs like Women in Turf encourage more women to consider greenkeeping as a career.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of the program and look forward to seeing more women step into the industry.” 

Jorgina Kean 

Sun City Country Club, Yanchep, WA

Second year apprentice Jorgina Kean is building her career in greenkeeping at Perth’s Sun City Country Club, where early starts and hands on learning are all part of the job. 

However, Ms Kean did not initially set out to become a greenkeeper. 

While working as a casual at Hillview Golf Course, she initially assisted with cart and driving range duties, enjoying the opportunity to work outdoors. 

“I was just helping out where I could, doing bits of course maintenance in my spare time because I liked being outside,” Ms Kean said. 

Her initiative soon led to a conversation about taking the next step. 

“The superintendent approached me and asked if I’d considered doing an apprenticeship. I hadn’t even realised that was an option before that.” 

After beginning her apprenticeship at Hillview, Ms Kean stepped away for a period to travel before returning to the industry. When an opportunity arose at Sun City, she applied and secured a second -year apprenticeship role. 

“It all just fell into place,” she said. 

At Sun City, Ms Kean’s day begins before sunrise. The team meets early to review tasks for the morning, which can include mowing greens, preparing bunkers or changing holes, before moving into broader course maintenance and irrigation work later in the day. 

“It’s a pretty structured routine, but there’s always something new to learn,” she said. 

Ms Kean said working with a fleet of John Deere equipment has also been a highlight of her apprenticeship. 

“It’s been awesome working with the John Deere machines. They run smoothly and cut really well. Everyone at Sun City loves them,” she said. 

Ms Kean was thrilled to be selected for the John Deere Women in Turf Program, particularly after missing out on attending last year due to personal reasons. 

“I was pretty devastated that I couldn’t go last year, so when I found out I was successful this time, it was awesome,” she said. 

She is looking forward to experiencing a new golfing environment and learning how to prepare a course for competition at an elite level. 

“Magenta looks amazing. I’m excited to see how they set a course up for a tournament and to meet all the other girls, learn new things and hopefully bring some ideas back to Sun City.” 

Ms Kean believes programs like Women in Turf play an important role in encouraging more women into the trade. 

“It’s good for women to get into the industry and see what it’s like. The more exposure there is, the better.

Sienna Lee

Rich River Golf Club, Moama, NSW

A move to the regional Murray River town of Echuca on the Victorian/New South Wales border set Sienna Lee on an unexpected career path in greenkeeping.

Originally from Croydon in suburban Melbourne, Ms Lee began looking for local work when her parents relocated to the region, putting her hat in the ring when an apprenticeship at Rich River Golf Club became available.

“It popped up and I thought, why not? Let’s give it a crack. It sounded amazing,” she said.

Ms Lee said the role has been a strong fit from the start.

“It’s a job I would not have thought about doing, but I love it,” she said.

“It’s such a relaxed kind of role and you learn so much about things you would never have thought to learn about.”

Now entering her second year, Ms Lee is building experience across day-to-day course maintenance and set up, preparing the club’s playing surfaces for members and local competitions.

The apprenticeship pathway, which allows her to gain a formal qualification alongside hands-on experience, has been a significant drawcard.

“I’ve always loved being outside, but what really sold me was being able to get a recognised qualification while learning on the job,” she said. “It feels like I’m building something long term.”

Ms Lee will take part in John Deere’s Women in Turf Program in 2026, joining other participants for a rare opportunity to support tournament preparation at a championship level.

“We do comps down here, but they’re smaller local ones. To help prepare for a massive tournament like this is going to be absolutely amazing,” she said.

Ms Lee said she was thrilled to receive the email confirming she had been selected.

“The first thing I did was call my mum,” she said. “I was so pumped. I didn’t actually think I’d get through.”

She is looking forward to working in a new course environment, meeting the other participants and learning how preparations differ under championship conditions.

“I’m looking forward to all of it, but especially working somewhere else and seeing how things are done differently,” she said.

Ms Lee also enjoys playing golf and often heads out for a few holes after work, giving her a chance to see the course from both the maintenance and player perspective.

“I’ll do course set up and then the boys will have a comp that night,” she said. “Sometimes I make it a little bit harder for them,” she said with a laugh.

Holly Kenyon

Te Arai Links, New Zealand

As a second-year apprentice greenkeeper at Te Arai Links in New Zealand, Holly Kenyon is proud to see more women joining her team and has been quick to encourage others to consider the industry.

For four years, Ms Kenyon has worked across all aspects of course presentation and maintenance, including mowing fairways, tees, surrounds and greens, as well as weed control and herbicide application, and is now formalising her experience to gain a qualification in Sports Turf Management.

Ms Kenyon said her pride in seeing more women in the industry had been shaped by her own experience in the role.

“When I first started, there was only one other woman in our department for a long time, and she later transferred to the North Course,” Ms Kenyon said.

“That left me as the only female on our South Course team for about eight months, and since then, I’ve encouraged two of my friends to join, so we now have five women across the workplace. It’s been awesome to see.”

Ms Kenyon’s pathway into turf began after a major change in direction. Following high school, she worked in face-to-face sales roles until the COVID outbreak triggered a redundancy causing her to return home and move into an office-based customer service role.

“I knew I wanted something different,” she said.

After stepping away from office work, Ms Kenyon came across a local Facebook advertisement for a greenkeeping position at Te Arai Links, at a time when the course was still being developed.

“The grass for the North Course was still being hydro seeded when I applied,” she said. “I gave it a go and I’ve loved the job ever since.”

In her current role, Ms Kenyon works with a wide range of John Deere equipment including fairway and greens mowers, tractors, sprayers and utility vehicles to support daily maintenance and course presentation.

Ms Kenyon said she was thrilled to be selected for the John Deere Women in Turf Program and is looking forward to learning from other women in the industry.

“I’m super excited to meet the other girls in this line of work and learn new things along the way,” she said.

She is particularly eager to gain exposure to championship-level course preparation, with Te Arai Links set to host the prestigious Asia Pacific Amateur Championship in October 2026, the winner of which receives an invitation to compete at two men’s major championships in 2027, the US Masters at Augusta National and The Open at St Andrews in Scotland.

“My own course is hosting an important event later this year, so seeing how things work in a competition environment will be a really good insight for me,” she said.

While Ms Kenyon does not currently play golf herself, she says that is not unusual among greenkeepers.

“I love preparing the course and seeing it presented at its best, and I’m still open to learning the game one day.”