A STUDENT from Askham Bryan College in York has beaten around 200 rivals from across Britain and Europe to be named as the 2010 Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year.

Andrew Stanger, 24, declared that winning the competition, organised by the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association, was “an incredible honour”.

“It was a massive shock as, although I believed I could win, the competition included some of the highest-calibre greenkeepers from top courses,” he said. “To be named as the overall winner is fantastic – and a real honour, given the standard of those I was up against.

Having completed his NVQ Level 3 in sports turf management in only six months – as opposed to the usual two years – Stanger is now head greenkeeper at Horsforth Golf Club in Leeds.

He said: “Being a greenkeeper is all I’ve ever wanted to do and I’ve really appreciated the support of both Horsforth Golf Club during the competition and my lecturers at Askham Bryan during my studies. My ultimate ambition is to host a major tournament – I’d love to be superintendant at a top course for the British Open.”

He began his studies at Askham Bryan three years ago before spending a year in the United States, training and working at the Liberty National Golf Club in New York and Augusta National in Georgia.

Dave Campbell, section leader for horticulture at Askham Bryan, said: “We’re incredibly proud that one of our students has won such a prestigious award.”

As one of eight finalists, Stanger had to complete a written test, giving an overview of three holes at Aldwark Manor, near York, with suggestions for possible improvements. He also underwent a gruelling 50-minute interview with a panel of judges.

For his prize, he wins an eight-week trip to the United States which includes a six-week course in turf management at the University of Massachusetts.