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News

POTTER WORKS HIS MAGIC AT THE BELFRY

1982 was a momentous year; it was the year of the Falklands war, ET made grown men cry as it hit cinemas worldwide, Michael Jackson launched the unforgettable ‘Thriller’ and Channel 4 was showcased to the UK. It’s also the year that Phil Potter brought a little bit of magic to The Belfry…..

Birmingham born Phil Potter is Head Irrigation Engineer at The Belfry, home of the Quinn Direct British Masters. Following the tournament in September, he is set to retire after 25 years of service.

He is the man who brings a little bit of sparkle to the three stunning golf courses at The Belfry through his expertise in the numerous water features and not to mention his attention to detail.

"In a nutshell, I am in charge of anything to do with water at The Belfry - on or off the golf course." Phil explains. "Whether it’s streams, lakes, sprinklers or fountains, I ensure everything is working as it should and keep the golfers on their toes!"

There is more water on the championship Brabazon course - host to an unprecedented four Ryder Cups - than just about any other inland course in the UK and Potter takes care of the lot! The 18^th hole is heavily integrated with water and as a result, has been quoted by players as ’terrifying’*. Only one US Ryder Cup team from four has triumphed on the Brabazon course, back in 1993, captained by Tom Watson. It is most definitely a course for the brave.

Phil fully irrigates The Belfry, monitors all pump houses for leaks and water levels, checks for pollution and manages the operation and timings of decorative water features that encompass the iconic Belfry setting.

With the Quinn Direct British Masters just over a month away, Phil and a team of colleagues led by Director of Golf Courses and Grounds Kenny MacKay have to fully prepare The Brabazon course so it is at optimum performance.

"My shift starts at 4.30am during the tournament and I’ll finish around 9.30pm. I am on call throughout the night but I wouldn’t change it as tournaments are the best time to be working. It is very busy but I do get to see some golf and there is just such a great atmosphere."

Phil’s job has changed massively over his career as he explains, "Fifteen years ago everything was manually operated; now I can use computers and technology to control timings and outputs."

So does this mean the job is easier? "No, not at all! I still need to manage the pump houses and visually monitor all water features. Computers help to speed some parts up but they definitely can’t control the elements!"

So why the job? Phil says, "I love the outdoors and I love golf – it seemed the perfect fit for me. I also get the opportunity to meet really interesting people through my job and work with a fantastic team at The Belfry. I will miss it when I retire this year."

Interesting people to say the least; Phil has brushed shoulders with some of golf’s biggest names, citing Seve Ballesteros as someone he’s met "a few times in the green keeper’s grounds" and is particularly animated when recalling his meetings with the great Lee Trevino, winner of 6 majors and also British Masters victor in 1985.

So aside from star spotting, what are the best and worst bits of being an irrigation engineer? Phil says, "I love the job but would say it’s best when the sun is out; when you work in the outdoors there’s nothing better and no-one likes to come in from work looking like a drowned rat - this has been happening far too often recently!"

Here’s hoping the weather lends Phil a hand for the Quinn Direct British Masters, 20 -23 September 2007.

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