Patrick Dirks (48) from Haaren near Oss is one of the 50 greenkeepers who ensure that the Bernardus Golf course in Cromvoirt is perfectly positioned for the Dutch Open, the largest golf tournament in the Netherlands. He had an office job for many years, but spent most of his free time on the golf course. So he decided to turn his hobby into his profession.
We meet him early Monday morning at first daylight. As the sun rises just above the trees, he places a flag in one of the holes. Patrick enjoys the work. He has been working for days to get all eighteen holes perfectly in order. The grass in the green must be cut to the nearest millimeter and the golf ball must roll at just the right speed.
Patrick is part of an international team. The greenkeepers have come to Cromvoirt from all over Europe and even Australia. They have to work for one hundred and fifty golfers from the international top. They want to have a perfect job.
“You must have a kick with grass.”
“I used to be an avid golfer,” says Patrick. “I spent most of my free time on the golf course. Until I decided to say goodbye to my desk and take this job. There is nothing more beautiful than being busy with your hobby all day.”
“The great thing is the precision of our work. The way we interact with nature. The grass, the heather we plant, the trees we take care of. You are busy with nature all day long. And you must have a knack for grass. We do our best to grow it and keep it healthy and yet we mow it every day.”
“Hope Tiger Woods comes to play someday.”
“My big dream is for Tiger Woods to come and play on my golf course,” Patrick beams. “I hope he says that the track is in good shape. That he appreciates all the work we put into it. When he compliments us, I know that someone who understands it is saying something very beautiful.”
The Dutch Open 2022 golf tournament is in Cromvoirt from Thursday to Sunday.
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