The Slovenian Greenkeepers Association hosted the 10th Don Harradine Memorial Trophy at the Bled G.C. on the 22nd and 23rd of September 2009.

Head Greenkeepers from Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia play this tournament yearly on a Don Harradine course built in one of the aforementioned countries. It was particularly satisfying for the Slovenian association to organize the event this year as we have a great respect for the work, ideas and heritage of Don Harradine who began his golfing career as a Golf Professional, Greenkeeper, and Club Manager before dedicating himself entirely to golf course architecture. He created over a 100 fine courses all over Europe and particularly in the countries of the associations who organize this special tournament.

We were blessed with a fabulous “Indian Summer” which produced a positive energy amongst all the attendees. As the organizers of the event the good weather was extremely gratifying. Over 100 people including valued Sponsors, honoured Guests and Greenkeepers attended this year’s event.

The Head Greenkeeper of the Bled Golf Course and his staff did their very best to provide good playing conditions. After the tournament a few constructive opinions were expressed by most players stating that the course was in urgent need of renovation. Especially, as there was a complete lack of re-conditioning work since 1974!

During the gala dinner and in between the prize–giving and speeches, the participants enjoyed some selected Slovenian cuisine, soothing music from two lovely ladies playing the zither and violin and a typical folks band. Babette Harradine honoured us with her memories and Peter Harradine gave us an overview of the past nine memorial trophies. Dean Cleaver presented an appreciation to Markus Gollard, who finished his board membership of FEGGA and it was my honour to distribute the prizes.

The Greenkeeper’s Challenge was won again by Peter Shaw. He brought the trophy all the way from Germany just to show it to all the other Greenkeepers before taking it all the way back home again! Beside his memorable win, prizes were distributed to the following players: Aljosa Golob (Greenkeepers A), Florian Erhardsberger (Greenkeepers B), and Michael Harradine won the guest group with the best overall gross score of the day.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the sponsors without whom this tournament would not be possible.

Gorazd Nastran
President of the Slovenian Greenkeepers Association

The next trophy will be played on the 21st - 23rd of September, 2010 in Augsburg, Germany.